Health Information Privacy and Security Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (18 Jul 2007): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9500-9513)
What this bill does
S. 1814, the Health Information Privacy and Security Act, was introduced in 2007 by Senator Patrick Leahy, joined by Senator Edward Kennedy. The bill would establish federal rights for individuals regarding health information about them, including a right to privacy and security, the ability to inspect and copy their own protected health information (with defined response deadlines), a process to request corrections, required notices of privacy practices, and the right to limit or "opt out" of certain disclosures. It would set rules for when health information can be used or disclosed—such as for treatment, payment, research, public health, law enforcement, or emergencies—and require notification when a security breach occurs. The bill would also create an Office of Health Information Privacy within the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce these rules, with criminal penalties, civil fines, individual lawsuits, enforcement by state attorneys general, and whistleblower protections.
The bill would broadly affect health care providers, insurers, health plans, employers, schools, health researchers, and "data brokers" that handle personal health information, as well as any individual whose health data is collected, stored, or shared by these entities. It aims to give patients more control over and access to their own records while imposing new compliance and security obligations on organizations that handle such data.
The bill was introduced on July 18, 2007, in the 110th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. According to available records, it did not receive a committee vote or further floor action, and it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Health Information Privacy and Security Act - Requires a person who holds, uses, or discloses protected health information to: (1) permit an individual who is the subject of such information to inspect and copy the information; (2) establish safeguards and procedures to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, security, accuracy, and integrity of such information; and (3) establish and maintain a record of each protected health information disclosure.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support demonstration projects to improve the communication of information pertaining to health privacy rights with individuals with limited English proficiency and limited health literacy.
Prohibits any person from disclosing, accessing, or using protected health information, except as authorized under this Act.
Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate model written authorizations for the disclosure of such information.
Provides for notice to an individual of a security breach with regard to protected health information.
Sets forth purposes under which disclosure is permitted, including for public health, health oversight, and law enforcement purposes.
Directs the Secretary to designate the Office of Health Information Privacy to: (1) receive and investigate complaints of alleged violations of this Act; (2) provide guidance to health care providers and other relevant individuals concerning the interpretation and implementation of privacy protections; and (3) provide recommendations concerning improvements in the privacy and security of protected health information and concerning medical privacy research needs.
Requires the Secretary to establish and implement standards for health information technology products.
Timeline
18 Jul 2007
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9500-9513)
Common questions
- What does S. 1814 do?
- S. 1814, the Health Information Privacy and Security Act, was introduced in 2007 by Senator Patrick Leahy, joined by Senator Edward Kennedy. The bill would establish federal rights for individuals regarding health information about them, including a right to privacy and security, the ability to inspect and copy their own protected health information (with defined response deadlines), a process to request corrections, required notices of privacy practices, and the right to limit or "opt out" of certain disclosures. It would set rules for when health information can be used or disclosed—such as for treatment, payment, research, public health, law enforcement, or emergencies—and require notification when a security breach occurs. The bill would also create an Office of Health Information Privacy within the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce these rules, with criminal penalties, civil fines, individual lawsuits, enforcement by state attorneys general, and whistleblower protections. The bill would broadly affect health care providers, insurers, health plans, employers, schools, health researchers, and "data brokers" that handle personal health information, as well as any individual whose health data is collected, stored, or shared by these entities. It aims to give patients more control over and access to their own records while imposing new compliance and security obligations on organizations that handle such data. The bill was introduced on July 18, 2007, in the 110th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. According to available records, it did not receive a committee vote or further floor action, and it did not become law.
- Has S. 1814 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1814. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1814?
- S. 1814 was sponsored by Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] (D-VT), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1814?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9500-9513) (18 Jul 2007).
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