Medical Privacy

With the computerization of personal records advancing, information is becoming increasingly easy to spread to a wide range of recipiants. As a result, the issue of medical privacy has gained importance. Currently, however, there is no federal law that regulates the spread of medical records, and the privacy of some is being violated without penalty. A report released by Rep. Waxman in April 2000 showed that many top Fortune 500 companies fail to provide their employees with adequate documentation of their medical privacy policies. In response, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson implemented more stringent additions to the Rule entitled "Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information," or the "Privacy Rule." However, Rep. Waxman and five other Members detected a broad loophole in Sec. Thompson's report. Development of legislation continues as Congress battles this growing issue.

Chronology

Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Questions on Proposed Medical Privacy Rule Changes
Six members wrote Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson with questions on the Administration's proposed changes to the medical privacy rule, including the creation of a broad loophole through which drug companies could access patient health records without patient permission.
- Letter to HHS
- HHS Report: Pages 1-50
- HHS Report: Pages 101-150
- HHS Report: Pages 151-175
- HHS Report: Pages 51-100

Thursday, April 06, 2000
Many Companies Fail to Implement Sound Medical Privacy Policies
Millions of Americans participate in health plans provided by large employers. In April 2000, Rep. Waxman released a report by the Special Investigations Division that evaluates whether these major employers have medical privacy policies that comply with the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other privacy experts. The report found that many companies have failed to implement sound privacy policies.
- Report with exhibits (104 pages)
- Report without exhibits (19 pages)