SAFER Health Act of 2026
Latest action (24 Jun 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 4920, the SAFER Health Act of 2026, would restrict the disclosure of "pregnancy termination or loss information" — protected health information related to abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancy — by covered entities and their business associates in federal, state, local, or tribal proceedings. Disclosure would generally require the individual's valid authorization, with limited exceptions for professional liability defense or investigating physical harm when the individual cannot consent due to death or incapacity. The bill also directs HHS to revise related HIPAA and HITECH regulations so that withholding such information to comply with the law is not treated as "information blocking," to require health IT developers to build in data-segregation capabilities, and to limit state-law preemption exceptions, while allowing states to keep stronger privacy protections.
The bill would affect health care providers, insurers, and other HIPAA-covered entities and their business associates, health IT developers seeking federal certification, and individuals whose reproductive health records are involved in legal or administrative proceedings. It aims to limit situations in which such records could be used or disclosed without consent.
The bill was introduced by Senator Hirono, with several cosponsors, on June 24, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet received committee action, and would need committee approval, floor votes in both chambers, and the President's signature to become law. If enacted, HHS would be required to issue an interim final rule within 90 days and a final rule within 270 days thereafter.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on June 24, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 4920 do?
- S. 4920, the SAFER Health Act of 2026, would restrict the disclosure of "pregnancy termination or loss information" — protected health information related to abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancy — by covered entities and their business associates in federal, state, local, or tribal proceedings. Disclosure would generally require the individual's valid authorization, with limited exceptions for professional liability defense or investigating physical harm when the individual cannot consent due to death or incapacity. The bill also directs HHS to revise related HIPAA and HITECH regulations so that withholding such information to comply with the law is not treated as "information blocking," to require health IT developers to build in data-segregation capabilities, and to limit state-law preemption exceptions, while allowing states to keep stronger privacy protections. The bill would affect health care providers, insurers, and other HIPAA-covered entities and their business associates, health IT developers seeking federal certification, and individuals whose reproductive health records are involved in legal or administrative proceedings. It aims to limit situations in which such records could be used or disclosed without consent. The bill was introduced by Senator Hirono, with several cosponsors, on June 24, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet received committee action, and would need committee approval, floor votes in both chambers, and the President's signature to become law. If enacted, HHS would be required to issue an interim final rule within 90 days and a final rule within 270 days thereafter.
- Has S. 4920 become law?
- Not yet. As of 24 Jun 2026, S. 4920 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 4920?
- S. 4920 was sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono [D-HI] (Democrat-HI), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4920?
- Introduced (24 Jun 2026).
Related bills in Health
Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2026, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses.
Recognizing the importance of protecting continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing active cancer treatment.
Community Health Worker Access Act
A resolution supporting the designation of October 2026 as “Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month” to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.