New Hampshire Senate Bill SB423

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/30/21
• Refer: 12/30/21
• Report Pass: 2/2/22
• Report Pass: 2/22/22
• Engrossed: 3/23/22
• Refer: 3/23/22
• Report Pass: 4/13/22
• Enrolled: 5/13/22
• Chaptered: 5/24/22
• Passed: 5/24/22

Caption

Relative to a closed loop referral system in the department of health and human services.

Impact

The introduction of SB 423 is designed to change how personal health information is managed by state departments, particularly emphasizing the necessity of securing consent before accessing individuals' health data. By requiring transparency and explicit consent for data retrieval and ensuring that individuals are notified promptly in case of a data breach, the bill aims to enhance individual privacy rights. It's anticipated that this bill will set a precedent for similar protective measures across state-sponsored health programs, emphasizing a shift towards more responsible data practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 423 establishes a closed loop referral system within the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. This bill mandates the inclusion of privacy and security provisions for any individual data shared through this system. It ensures that personal and health-specific information is only accessed with explicit consent from individuals who are currently receiving or have recently received services from the department. The significance of this legislation lies in its intention to protect individuals' personal information, thereby fostering trust in a system that handles sensitive health data.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB 423 primarily revolves around concerns regarding consent requirements and data access. Proponents argue that the enhanced privacy measures are essential in the current climate of increasing data breaches and the necessity for individuals to understand who accesses their health information. In contrast, some stakeholders within the health sector may express concern over the potential administrative burdens of implementing these requirements, particularly regarding the mechanisms of obtaining and retaining consent. Hence, the balance between ensuring individual privacy and maintaining efficient health service operations is a notable point of contention.