Massachusetts Senate Bill S193

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 4/6/23

Caption

To protect life-saving electronic health records from reckless corporate greed and corruption

Impact

This legislation will significantly impact state laws by reinforcing regulations that safeguard patient information. By requiring healthcare providers to adhere to stringent data protection measures and procedures for patient access, the bill intends to create a more transparent healthcare environment. It calls for the development of standardized notification forms to educate patients about their rights regarding their electronic health information. Additionally, regulations will be established to prohibit the unauthorized collection and distribution of patient data, potentially changing the landscape of health information technology in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 193, titled 'An Act to protect life-saving electronic health records from reckless corporate greed and corruption,' aims to enhance the security and accessibility of electronic health information for patients in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to amend existing laws to ensure that healthcare providers comply with federal standards for interoperability and patient access established by the 21st Century Cures Act. It emphasizes the protection of patient data against unauthorized dissemination or exploitation by third parties without explicit patient consent.

Contention

Debate surrounding this bill may arise from concerns over balancing patient privacy rights with the operational needs of health information technology firms. Supporters argue that stronger protections are vital given the increasing incidents of data breaches and the commodification of personal health data. However, some stakeholders from the tech and healthcare sectors may raise objections based on the bill's potential to impose strict compliance burdens, which could hinder innovations in healthcare technology and patient services.