Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Jul 2007): Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
What this bill does
This bill, the Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007, would establish rules for creating and operating "independent health record trusts" (IHRTs). These trusts would manage electronic health records for individuals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for setting standards for how these trusts are established, certified, and how they operate and share information.
The bill states that participation in an IHRT and authorizing access to an individual's health record within a trust would be voluntary. It would prohibit anyone from requiring an individual to participate or grant access to their information as a condition of employment, insurance, or receiving healthcare. The trusts could generate revenue through participant fees, charging data users, or selling information, but not for providers sending records to the trust.
This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2007 and referred to committees. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by Congress. If it were to advance, it would need to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts (IHRTs).
Establishes a fiduciary duty requiring an IHRT to act for the benefit and interest of participants and of the IHRT as a whole. Sets forth penalties for any knowing or reckless breach of such duty.
Sets forth permitted uses for an electronic health record, including: (1) a primary use for purposes of the individual's self-care or care by health care professionals; and (2) a secondary use for purposes of public health research or related activities.
Directs that participation in an IHRT, or authorizing access to information from such trust, is voluntary. Prohibits any person from requiring that an individual participate in, or authorize access to information from, an IHRT.
Authorizes an IHRT to generate revenue to pay for operations through: (1) charging participants account fees; (2) charging authorized IHRT data users for accessing electronic health records; (3) the sale of information; and (4) any other activity determined appropriate by the FTC. Prohibits an IHRT from charging a fee for the transmittal of information from a health care provider to be included in an independent electronic health record.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of this Act. Requires the National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics to serve as an advisory committee for IHRTs.
Timeline
17 Jul 2007
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2991 do?
- This bill, the Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007, would establish rules for creating and operating "independent health record trusts" (IHRTs). These trusts would manage electronic health records for individuals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for setting standards for how these trusts are established, certified, and how they operate and share information. The bill states that participation in an IHRT and authorizing access to an individual's health record within a trust would be voluntary. It would prohibit anyone from requiring an individual to participate or grant access to their information as a condition of employment, insurance, or receiving healthcare. The trusts could generate revenue through participant fees, charging data users, or selling information, but not for providers sending records to the trust. This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2007 and referred to committees. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been passed by Congress. If it were to advance, it would need to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 2991 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2991. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2991?
- H.R. 2991 was sponsored by Rep. Moore, Dennis [D-KS-3] (D-KS), with 78 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2991?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (17 Jul 2007).
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