Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0824

Introduced
3/14/25  

Caption

Creates the reproductive freedom and gender affirming care health data privacy act.

Impact

The proposed law is set to influence existing state guidelines regarding health data privacy. By requiring entities to disclose their data privacy policies and obtain explicit consent from consumers before any data collection, the bill aims to bolster consumer rights in the realm of health data. It significantly enhances protections concerning sensitive health information, in light of growing concerns over privacy breaches and data misuse. Furthermore, the act provides clear procedures for consumers to request access to their health data, the ability to delete such data, and mechanisms to contest any refusals by the entities involved. This could lead to a higher standard of care for consumer health privacy rights across the state.

Summary

Bill S0824 introduces the 'Reproductive Freedom and Gender-Affirming Care Health Data Privacy Act', which aims to protect the privacy of consumers' reproductive health and gender-affirming care data. The legislation establishes strict guidelines around the collection, sharing, and selling of consumer health data, especially in sensitive areas concerning reproductive and gender-affirming health. The bill mandates that any regulated entity or small business must obtain explicit consumer consent before collecting or sharing such data, with clear restrictions on how it can be collected and used. These provisions are designed to empower consumers by enhancing transparency and control over their personal health data.

Contention

As with many pieces of legislation concerning reproductive rights and data privacy, S0824 may face opposition. Points of contention could arise from entities required to comply with the stringent data privacy rules, especially those who may find it burdensome to implement changes by the mandated deadlines. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the implications of mandatory consent processes, which some stakeholders may argue could hamper access to necessary health services. Ultimately, the reception of this bill will hinge on balancing consumer protections with the operational realities faced by healthcare providers and businesses handling sensitive health data.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5616

Provides that public health advertisements be prohibited from stating that there is a safe way to take illegal drugs.

RI H5349

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.

RI S0487

Prohibits any personnel, in any healthcare facility, from asking the legal immigration status of any patient.

RI H6244

Prohibits any personnel, in any healthcare facility, from asking the legal immigration status of any patient.

RI S0618

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.

RI H5714

Provides that a person eighteen (18) years or older could request that his or her race be modified or amended on their birth certificate.

RI S0682

Requires hospitals to have a notary on staff all hours of the day and week.

RI S0243

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

Similar Bills

HI HB1566

Relating To Consumer Health Data.

HI SB2696

Relating To Consumer Health Data.

RI H5857

Creates the reproductive freedom and gender affirming care health data privacy act.

MA H80

Establishing the Comprehensive Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act

MA S33

Establishing the Comprehensive Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act

NM HB410

Consumer Info & Data Protection Act

MI SB0659

Consumer protection: privacy; personal data privacy act: create. Creates new act.

DC B25-0930

Consumer Health Information Privacy Protection Act (CHIPPA) of 2024