When do governmental authorities have the right to override/ignore HIPPA? In my state the Fish and Game (who handles search and rescues) is regularly cited in newspaper articles. There's usually no witholding details, it will be like: James Bond, age 57 from New York City, NY was hiking with his wife Shelly and their two kids when James began experiencing shortness of breath. Park Ranger Chris Cornell responded to the scene and diagnosed James with spontaneous pneumothorax and with the assistance of Fish and Game organized a rescue whereby James was safely flown to NYC Medical Center.

Is it because it's a search/law enforcement issue that it suddenly becomes okay?