SAFER Health Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (25 Jun 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
H.R. 9470, the SAFER Health Act of 2026, would prohibit health care providers and their business associates from disclosing an individual's pregnancy termination or loss information in most legal proceedings without that individual's explicit authorization. This prohibition applies to federal, state, local, and tribal proceedings, including civil, criminal, and legislative matters. There are limited exceptions, such as for the defense of professional liability actions against the provider or for investigations into physical harm to the individual if they are unable to consent due to death or incapacity.
The bill would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the HITECH Act. Specifically, it would clarify that refusing to share this sensitive health information does not constitute "information blocking" and would mandate that health IT developers implement practices to segregate and protect such data. The Act also preempts conflicting state laws, but allows for state laws that offer greater privacy protections.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 25, 2026, by Representative Sara Jacobs and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is currently in its initial stage of the legislative process. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would be required to issue interim final rules within 90 days of enactment and final rules within 270 days after that, following public comment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
25 Jun 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9470 do?
- H.R. 9470, the SAFER Health Act of 2026, would prohibit health care providers and their business associates from disclosing an individual's pregnancy termination or loss information in most legal proceedings without that individual's explicit authorization. This prohibition applies to federal, state, local, and tribal proceedings, including civil, criminal, and legislative matters. There are limited exceptions, such as for the defense of professional liability actions against the provider or for investigations into physical harm to the individual if they are unable to consent due to death or incapacity. The bill would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the HITECH Act. Specifically, it would clarify that refusing to share this sensitive health information does not constitute "information blocking" and would mandate that health IT developers implement practices to segregate and protect such data. The Act also preempts conflicting state laws, but allows for state laws that offer greater privacy protections. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 25, 2026, by Representative Sara Jacobs and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is currently in its initial stage of the legislative process. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would be required to issue interim final rules within 90 days of enactment and final rules within 270 days after that, following public comment.
- Has H.R. 9470 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9470. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9470?
- H.R. 9470 was sponsored by Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51] (D-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9470?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (25 Jun 2026).
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More bills from Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]
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