passed at NFPW Annual Convention Sept. 2003
Health Record Privacy Act Resolution
passed at NFPW Annual Convention Sept. 2003
WITH REGARD TO HEALTH RECORD PRIVACY
Whereas, new regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) place new obligations to protect patient privacy upon many entities; and
Whereas, among the entities sometimes covered by HIPAA are law enforcement, fire and rescue, public health and other public service agencies; and
Whereas, communications about disasters, accidents, epidemics, terrorist attacks and other public incidents, as well as about malpractice, medical and research accidents, underfunded programs and general health trends sometimes require some disclosure of information about individuals that may now be covered by HIPAA;
NOW BE IT RESOLVED THAT, HHS and Congress must examine the HIPAA privacy rules to ensure that a proper balance has been struck between patient privacy and the public's right to know and to ensure that news organizations and their key sources are not unduly restricted in their efforts to serve a well-informed public.