To establish a national registry from which adopted children may obtain medical information voluntarily provided by their birth parents.
Latest action (12 Feb 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 3237 would amend the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a national registry allowing birth parents of adopted children to voluntarily submit medical information about themselves. Adopted children could request and receive that medical information, but the registry would generally be barred from releasing information that would reveal a birth parent's identity, unless both the birth parent and adopted child sign a notarized statement consenting to such disclosure. All information in the registry would be kept confidential, the registry would operate separately from other HHS data systems, and it could not be used to try to arrange reunions between birth parents and children. The Secretary could charge fees for the service, capped at the average fee states charge for similar services, and unauthorized release of confidential information would carry criminal penalties (a fine up to $5,000, up to one year in prison, or both).
The bill would primarily affect adopted individuals seeking family medical history and birth parents willing to share such information anonymously. It explicitly states that it would not override or limit any state laws governing adoption or sealed adoption records, meaning state confidentiality rules would remain in effect alongside the new federal registry.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Charles Schumer on February 12, 1998, during the 105th Congress, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It did not receive a vote and did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national registry to which birth parents of an adopted child may voluntarily provide medical information about themselves for release to the adopted child upon the child's request. Prohibits the release of identifying information about a birth parent to the adopted child unless the parent and child have signed a notarized statement of consent. Mandates: (1) the confidentiality of all national registry information; and (2) the written informed consent of the individual before release of any registry information. Proscribes any national registry attempt to contact an individual for the purpose of facilitating a reunion. Mandates that the registry: (1) be a centralized nationwide data repository; and (2) operate independently of any other data system maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorizes the Secretary to charge fees for services provided under this Act. Subjects violators of this Act to specified criminal penalties. Declares that this Act does not preempt any State or local law concerning adoption and the confidentiality of its sealed adoption record policy.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3237 do?
- H.R. 3237 would amend the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a national registry allowing birth parents of adopted children to voluntarily submit medical information about themselves. Adopted children could request and receive that medical information, but the registry would generally be barred from releasing information that would reveal a birth parent's identity, unless both the birth parent and adopted child sign a notarized statement consenting to such disclosure. All information in the registry would be kept confidential, the registry would operate separately from other HHS data systems, and it could not be used to try to arrange reunions between birth parents and children. The Secretary could charge fees for the service, capped at the average fee states charge for similar services, and unauthorized release of confidential information would carry criminal penalties (a fine up to $5,000, up to one year in prison, or both). The bill would primarily affect adopted individuals seeking family medical history and birth parents willing to share such information anonymously. It explicitly states that it would not override or limit any state laws governing adoption or sealed adoption records, meaning state confidentiality rules would remain in effect alongside the new federal registry. The bill was introduced by Rep. Charles Schumer on February 12, 1998, during the 105th Congress, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It did not receive a vote and did not become law.
- Has H.R. 3237 become law?
- Not yet. As of 12 Feb 1998, H.R. 3237 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3237?
- H.R. 3237 was sponsored by Sen. Charles “Chuck” Schumer [D-NY] (Democrat-NY), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3237?
- Introduced (12 Feb 1998).
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