Prescription Privacy Protection Act of 1998
Latest action (29 Apr 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 3756, the Prescription Privacy Protection Act of 1998, would restrict pharmacy owners, pharmacists, and pharmacy employees from disclosing an individual's prescription information—such as the drug prescribed, its manufacturer, and medical use—without that individual's written consent. The bill specifies what such consent must contain, including the patient's name, the prescribing physician's name, the scope of data covered, and expiration and signing dates. It lists exceptions allowing disclosure without consent in certain situations, such as to the prescribing physician, to parents or guardians of minors or incapacitated individuals, in response to subpoenas or court orders, for law enforcement investigations or license reviews, or to support insurance or Medicare/Medicaid claims.
The bill would primarily affect pharmacies and their staff, who would face new recordkeeping and consent requirements, and patients, who would gain greater control over who can access their prescription records. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per incident, enforced jointly by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor. The measure would not override stricter state privacy laws.
The bill was introduced on April 29, 1998, by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and referred to the House Committee on Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law before the end of the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Prescription Privacy Protection Act of 1998 - Prohibits a pharmacy owner, pharmacist, or pharmacy employee from disclosing prescription data to any person or governmental agency (other than the individual who is the subject of the data or another owner or employee of the pharmacy) without written consent from the data subject, except: (1) to the physician who wrote the prescription; (2) to a parent or guardian in certain circumstances; (3) to the data subject's agent under a power of attorney; (4) to specified agents of the owner; (5) in connection with certain judicial, administrative, or law enforcement matters; or (6) where necessary to support an application for health benefits from an insurance provider or governmental agency. Mandates a civil monetary penalty for violations. Declares that this Act does not preempt State laws imposing requirements in addition to those in this Act.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3756 do?
- H.R. 3756, the Prescription Privacy Protection Act of 1998, would restrict pharmacy owners, pharmacists, and pharmacy employees from disclosing an individual's prescription information—such as the drug prescribed, its manufacturer, and medical use—without that individual's written consent. The bill specifies what such consent must contain, including the patient's name, the prescribing physician's name, the scope of data covered, and expiration and signing dates. It lists exceptions allowing disclosure without consent in certain situations, such as to the prescribing physician, to parents or guardians of minors or incapacitated individuals, in response to subpoenas or court orders, for law enforcement investigations or license reviews, or to support insurance or Medicare/Medicaid claims. The bill would primarily affect pharmacies and their staff, who would face new recordkeeping and consent requirements, and patients, who would gain greater control over who can access their prescription records. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per incident, enforced jointly by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor. The measure would not override stricter state privacy laws. The bill was introduced on April 29, 1998, by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and referred to the House Committee on Commerce. It did not receive a vote and did not become law before the end of the 105th Congress.
- Has H.R. 3756 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Apr 1998, H.R. 3756 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3756?
- H.R. 3756 was sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D-NY12] (Democrat-NY), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3756?
- Introduced (29 Apr 1998).
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