Louisiana House Bill HB1431

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/10
• Refer: 4/21/10

Caption

Provides relative to health data collection and reporting by the Department of Health and Hospitals

Impact

The implications of HB 1431 are significant for both health institutions and research entities in Louisiana. By limiting the data available for public disclosure, the bill aims to safeguard the competitive interests of healthcare providers and insurers while still allowing for aggregated data to be used for research purposes. Nonprofit research organizations not connected to health payors can still access de-identified data under certain conditions, suggesting a compromise between data utility and confidentiality. The requirement for a data use agreement ensures that the released information is used ethically and solely for research purposes.

Summary

House Bill 1431 seeks to amend current health data collection and reporting statutes handled by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). A key feature of the bill is introducing restrictions on what information DHH can release, particularly emphasizing the protection of entities' competitive advantages by banning the release of specific data such as payor names and information that could ascertain market share. The bill retains existing provisions while enforcing stricter controls on data disclosure to ensure that sensitive health information remains confidential.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who advocate for the safeguarding of competitive business information. Supporters believe the bill will enhance the integrity of the health sector while promoting responsible research practices. Conversely, there may be concerns from various stakeholders who feel that restricting health data could impede transparency and accessibility, potentially hindering beneficial medical research that relies on comprehensive data access.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention include the balance that the bill attempts to strike between protecting entities from competitive harm and facilitating the availability of data for essential health research. Critics may argue that excessive restrictions could compromise public health interests by limiting knowledge about healthcare services and costs, which are vital for consumer choice and policy formulation. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of navigating privacy concerns in health data practices while also promoting advancements in healthcare quality through research.