SAFER Health Act of 2023
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (3 Feb 2023): Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
What this bill does
The SAFER Health Act of 2023 would prohibit healthcare providers and insurance plans from sharing an individual's personal health information related to an abortion or pregnancy in legal proceedings, unless the individual gives explicit permission. This ban would apply to federal, state, local, and tribal courts and government bodies, with narrow exceptions for situations like investigating physical harm to the individual when they cannot give consent. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to inform relevant parties about these new rules.
This legislation primarily affects individuals seeking or receiving care related to pregnancy termination or loss, as well as the healthcare providers and health insurance companies that handle their information. It aims to protect the privacy of this sensitive health data by restricting its disclosure in legal contexts. The bill also mandates that health technology developers implement practices to segregate this information, and it clarifies rules around how this privacy protection interacts with state laws.
H.R. 459 was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2023, and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As a bill that has just been introduced, it would need to be considered by that committee, and potentially others, before it could be passed by the House and then the Senate. If passed by both chambers, it would then be sent to the President to be signed into law or vetoed.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Secure Access for Essential Reproductive Health Act of 2023 or the SAFER Health Act of 2023
This bill prohibits health care providers and insurance plans from disclosing in a legal proceeding an individual's personal health information related to an abortion or pregnancy without the individual's valid authorization.
The prohibition applies to federal, state, local, and tribal proceedings, including civil, criminal, administrative, and legislative proceedings. The bill provides limited exceptions such as if the information is necessary to investigate physical harm to the individual.
Further, the Department of Health and Human Services must conduct an outreach campaign to inform covered entities and the public about the prohibition.
Timeline
3 Feb 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 459 do?
- The SAFER Health Act of 2023 would prohibit healthcare providers and insurance plans from sharing an individual's personal health information related to an abortion or pregnancy in legal proceedings, unless the individual gives explicit permission. This ban would apply to federal, state, local, and tribal courts and government bodies, with narrow exceptions for situations like investigating physical harm to the individual when they cannot give consent. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to inform relevant parties about these new rules. This legislation primarily affects individuals seeking or receiving care related to pregnancy termination or loss, as well as the healthcare providers and health insurance companies that handle their information. It aims to protect the privacy of this sensitive health data by restricting its disclosure in legal contexts. The bill also mandates that health technology developers implement practices to segregate this information, and it clarifies rules around how this privacy protection interacts with state laws. H.R. 459 was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 24, 2023, and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. As a bill that has just been introduced, it would need to be considered by that committee, and potentially others, before it could be passed by the House and then the Senate. If passed by both chambers, it would then be sent to the President to be signed into law or vetoed.
- Has H.R. 459 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 459. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 459?
- H.R. 459 was sponsored by Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16] (D-CA), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 459?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (3 Feb 2023).
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