Louisiana House Bill HCR19

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Engrossed: 5/23/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11
• Passed: 6/13/11

Caption

Urges and requests DHH to minimize the use of complete social security numbers of its clients and to report an assessment of client data security to the House and Senate health and welfare committees

Impact

If implemented, HCR19 could have meaningful implications for state laws regarding how personal identifying information is handled by health institutions. The request for a comprehensive assessment of client data security by DHH reflects a proactive approach towards improving privacy and security measures in public health services. The idea is to ensure that client information is safeguarded, which could lead to better frameworks for data protection across various state agencies handling sensitive information.

Summary

HCR19 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to minimize the use of complete social security numbers (SSNs) of its clients. This bill addresses the significant public concern regarding the security and confidentiality of personal data held by institutions, especially in light of recent data breaches experienced by the department. By recommending a shift to partial SSNs and assessing the overall security of client identifying information, the bill aims to reduce the risks associated with identity theft, which affects millions of Americans annually.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR19 seems to be supportive within the health and public safety sectors. Stakeholders acknowledge the importance of protecting client data and the necessity of taking steps to prevent identity theft. However, there may be some concerns regarding the practical implementation of reducing SSN usage, as some might argue about potential inconveniences in client verification processes.

Contention

While HCR19 has garnered support, notable points of contention could arise related to the efficacy of changing the current practices in the DHH. Some may question whether simply minimizing SSN usage will sufficiently address the deeper issues of data security and whether alternative measures can adequately substitute for full SSNs in verification procedures. The balance between data security and the practicality of health services delivery may also be a topic of discussion as the resolution progresses.