Policy & Value-Based Care

Senators Introduce the Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act

Feb. 11, 2022

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. and Tammy Baldwin say the act will modernize health privacy laws and regulations—including protecting health data and contemporary technologies like cell phones

Janette Wider

According to a Feb. 9 press release, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act that aims to modernize health privacy laws and regulations.

The release states that “The presence of technology companies is increasing in healthcare, and health information is expanding beyond the reach of The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is an over 25-year-old law that protects all interactions between patients and their doctors, but does not protect health data recorded on emerging technologies (cell phones, smart watches, etc.) which puts this data at significant potential risk.”

The release reports that the legislation is supported by American College of Cardiology; Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness; Association of Clinical Research Organizations; athenahealth, Inc; Epic Systems Corporation; Executives for Health Innovation; Federation of American Hospitals; Heath Innovation Alliance; IBM; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Teladoc Health; and United Spinal Association.

That said, “The Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act would establish a commission to –

Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., was quoted in the release saying that “As a doctor, the potential of new technology to improve patient care seems limitless. But Americans must be able to trust that their personal health data is protected if this technology can meet its full potential. HIPAA must be updated for the modern day. This legislation starts this process on a pathway to make sure it is done right.”