A handful of top health-tech companies are throwing support behind new bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing health data privacy laws and regulations.
Senators Bill Cassidy, MD, R-La., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., on Feb. 9 introduced the Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act which would, among other things, establish a commission to review current health data legislation and recommend potential changes.
A number of healthcare heavyweights are backing the act, including Epic Systems Corp., IBM, Teladoc Health and athenahealth.
“As a doctor, the potential of new technology to improve patient care seems limitless. But Americans must be able to trust that their personal health data is protected if this technology can meet its full potential,” Cassidy said in a statement. “HIPAA must be updated for the modern day. This legislation starts this process on a pathway to make sure it is done right.”
Established more than 25 years ago, HIPAA protects all interactions between patients and their providers but does not do the same for digital technologies such as cellphones and smartwatches.
The commission would assess current rules protecting personal health information at the state and federal levels along with best practices for protecting data used by insurance companies, financial services, advertisers and other industries.
The Comptroller General would appoint 17 members to the committee, which would submit a formal report to Congress and the president within six months of forming.
“I am excited to introduce the bipartisan Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act to help inform how we can modernize healthcare privacy laws and regulations to give Americans peace of mind that their personal health information is safe while ensuring that we have the tools we need to advance high-quality care,” Baldwin added.
Other groups backing the legislation include the American College of Cardiology, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Association of Clinical Research Organizations, Executives for Health Innovation, Federation of American Hospitals, Heath Innovation Alliance, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and United Spinal Association.
Read more about the act here.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.