Pennsylvania House Bill HB694

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25

Caption

Further providing for confidentiality of reports and records.

Impact

The enactment of HB 694 will significantly affect how health-related data is managed and reported within Pennsylvania. By enabling county governments without local health boards to access certain public health data, the bill aims to ensure that county-level authorities can adequately respond to communicable disease cases. However, the stipulation that such reports must remain de-identified aims to protect individual privacy while still facilitating public health responses. This change is expected to enhance communication and accountability in disease management at the county level.

Summary

House Bill 694 is an amendment to the Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955 in Pennsylvania, focusing on the confidentiality of health reports and records. It aims to strengthen protections around communicable disease information by imposing restrictions on disclosures made by state and local health authorities. The bill specifies that such information can only be shared with authorized individuals and entities, primarily when local governance lacks a dedicated health board. It mandates that any secondary body receiving information must comply with federal and state confidentiality standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 694 appears to be supportive among health professionals and local government officials who advocate for improved access to essential health data for effective disease control and prevention. They recognize that timely access to such reports can aid in prompt public health responses. Conversely, concerns about privacy and possible misuse of health data have been raised by advocacy groups, emphasizing the need for stringent safeguards to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive health information.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 694 lies in balancing public health needs with individual privacy rights. Critics express apprehension that the expansion of data access to local authorities might lead to disparities in how health data is utilized across different jurisdictions. Ensuring that receiving bodies adhere to confidentiality laws is critical, and there are calls for clear oversight to prevent any potential breaches. The bill's stakeholder discussions reflect a broader debate over transparency in public health versus the imperative of maintaining personal privacy.