For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 12, 2001
Statement by the President
Today, I directed Secretary Thompson to allow a federal rule that will
protect the privacy of medical information for millions of Americans to
become effective. For the first time, patients will have full access to
their medical records and more control over how their personal
information will be used and disclosed. The rule also
provides a clear avenue of recourse for those Americans whose medical
privacy has been compromised.
This rule will help address patients' growing concerns regarding
medical privacy. Although impressive advances in medicine
and information technology have helped make America's health care
system the best in the world, our new technologies have at times made
it more difficult to protect personal medical information. I
believe that we must protect both vital health care services and the
right of every American to have confidence that his or her personal
medical records will remain private.
I recognize that legitimate concerns have been raised about the current
rule, which I share, such as parents' concern that the rule limits
their right to have access to their children's medical
records. I have asked Secretary Thompson to recommend
appropriate modifications to the rule to address these concerns and to
ensure that patients receive the highest quality of health
care. Improving our health care system while protecting the
confidentiality of patient records will continue to be an important
goal of my Administration.
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