Opinion ID: 2994194
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Medical Information

Text: As discussed above, this Circuit has outlined a clearly established substantial right in the confidentiality of medical information that can only be overcome by a sufficiently strong state interest. See Anderson, 72 F.3d at 522. Therefore, to the extent that the Authorization provided for the release of medical records or communications,/8 Dunlap was on notice that this type of information has constitutional protection in this Circuit and that the state cannot require its disclosure without a sufficient countervailing interest. As Dunlap has provided no interest at this stage in the proceedings that would justify requiring Denius to supply this information, we find he has not shown that he is entitled to qualified immunity on this issue. See Gustafson v. Jones, 117 F.3d 1015, 1021 (7th Cir. 1997) (recognizing that balancing tests produce a wide gray area between the clearly legal and the clearly illegal . . . . This does not mean, however, that legal certainty never exists when the law demands the consideration of a number of different factors.). We thus reverse the district court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendant on this issue and remand for further proceedings.