Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.
Impact
If enacted, A4658 would have a significant impact on existing laws related to patient privacy and the handling of reproductive health information. The provisions of the bill explicitly prohibit the unauthorized sharing, selling, or marketing of medical information outside of necessary service provisions. Exceptions for this consent requirement include situations deemed critical for medical emergencies or mandated by law, thereby allowing some flexibility while still prioritizing patient confidentiality.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4658, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that health care providers, business associates, and carriers must obtain affirmative written consent from patients before disclosing any personally identifiable medical information concerning reproductive health care services. The bill's focus is on protecting individuals' rights regarding their medical information, particularly in sensitive areas like pregnancy, contraception, and other reproductive health matters. The requirement for written consent aims to ensure that patients have a clear understanding of how their medical information may be used and disclosed.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding this bill lies in the enforcement mechanisms and the penalties for violations. Courts can award damages of $1,000 per instance of violation, along with legal fees, which raises questions about how effectively this enforcement can protect patient rights. Additionally, critics may argue that while protective, the stringent requirements for consent could complicate necessary medical communications and may impede timely access to care, particularly in urgent situations.
Same As
Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.
Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.
Concerns protections with respect to nondisclosure of certain patient information relating to reproductive health care services, and protecting access to services and procedures related to abortion for certain out-of-State persons.
Concerns protections with respect to nondisclosure of certain patient information relating to reproductive healthcare services, and protecting access to services and procedures related to abortion for certain out-of-State persons.
Requires Internet service providers to keep confidential and prohibit any disclosure, sale, or unauthorized access to subscriber's personally identifiable information unless subscriber authorizes Internet service provider in writing to disclose information.
Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services.
Concerns protections with respect to nondisclosure of certain patient information relating to reproductive healthcare services, and protecting access to services and procedures related to abortion for certain out-of-State persons.
Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities; establishes right of residents to legally protected health care services, which are restricted in other states.
Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities; establishes right of residents to legally protected health care services, which are restricted in other states.
Requires parents and guardians be provided access to medical records of minor patients; provides immunity to health care facilities and professionals that provide access to records.
Requires parents and guardians be provided access to medical records of minor patients; provides immunity to health care facilities and professionals that provide access to records.