Texas House Bill HB3066

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to access to certain confidential patient information within the Department of State Health Services.

Impact

The proposed changes hold significant implications for patient confidentiality laws in Texas, reinforcing protections against unauthorized disclosure of personal and sensitive information. The amendments emphasize that the Department cannot release identifiable patient or physician data without appropriate authorization, thereby aiming to strengthen public trust in state health services. Additionally, it clearly delineates roles within the Department, with responsibilities for protecting confidential information now centralized under the Department of State Health Services, as opposed to prior provisions which involved a council with a broader mandate.

Summary

House Bill 3066 focuses on the access protocols regarding certain confidential patient information within the Texas Department of State Health Services. The legislation aims to amend existing laws to clarify the handling and release of data received by the Department, ensuring that any access to this information must prioritize public benefit while adhering to strict confidentiality standards. The bill outlines the specific circumstances under which such data may be disclosed and establishes a framework for the internal review of requests for access by an institutional review board composed of qualified members with expertise in ethics and confidentiality.

Contention

One area of debate around HB 3066 involves the balance between facilitating research and preserving patient confidentiality. Proponents argue that controlled access to data can enhance public health initiatives and research capabilities, provided safeguards are established to protect individual privacy. However, critics express concern that any loosening of confidentiality provisions could lead to potential misuse of sensitive data, undermining the fundamental rights of patients and physicians alike. This underscores an ongoing tension in healthcare policy between advancing medical research and safeguarding personal information.