Relative to privacy obligations of the department of health and human services.
The bill mandates the establishment of a governance board tasked with overseeing the department's data privacy measures and technology security protocols. This board will ensure compliance with existing laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and aim to cultivate an active culture of data protection within the DHHS. Furthermore, it requires the department to conduct periodic risk assessments and maintain transparency through public-facing meeting minutes, thus reinforcing accountability in managing personal information.
House Bill 91, established by the New Hampshire legislature, aims to enhance the privacy obligations of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) by creating a data privacy and information technology security governance board. This initiative reflects the public's increasing demand for robust privacy measures in state governance, especially following the Right of Privacy clause approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2018. The bill emphasizes the need for a structured approach to protect personal data and outlines the responsibilities and structure of the newly formed governance board within the DHHS.
One notable area of contention related to HB 91 could involve discussions surrounding the effectiveness of the governance board's oversight measures, particularly regarding transparency and public trust. As data privacy becomes an increasingly complex issue, stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the proposed governance structure to manage the risks associated with personal data handling. Additionally, funding considerations outlined in the bill, including an allocation of $300,000 for staffing and operational costs for new personnel to support these initiatives, may spark discussions about potential resource allocation and prioritization within the state budget.