Connecticut House Bill HB05181

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/20
• Refer: 2/19/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Remote Access To Medical Records Maintained By Hospitals And Health Care Providers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05181 would amend existing statutes to facilitate access to critical health information while maintaining necessary confidentiality standards. It mandates health care providers to report cases of diseases listed by the Commissioner of Public Health within specific time frames to ensure timely and efficient tracking of public health issues. Moreover, the bill underscores the importance of confidentiality in handling medical records, aiming to balance the need for public health oversight with patients' rights to privacy.

Summary

House Bill 05181 aims to enhance the Department of Public Health's ability to manage health information related to reportable diseases, emergency illnesses, and health conditions by ensuring remote access to medical records maintained by hospitals and health care providers. The bill seeks to implement provisions that allow authorized personnel from the Department to access patient medical records electronically when necessary for public health purposes. This access is intended to enable more efficient case finding and quality improvement audits.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to streamline health reporting processes and improve public health responses, it also raises concerns regarding privacy and the security of patient information. Opponents may argue that increasing access to medical records, even for public health purposes, could lead to potential breaches of confidentiality. Stakeholders, including health care providers, may express reservations about the logistical challenges of complying with new reporting requirements and the implications for patient trust in the healthcare system.