Bill

Bill > HR7898


US HR7898

To amend title XXX of the Public Health Services Act to provide for a technical correction to provide the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Service certain authorities with respect to investigations of information blocking, and for other purposes.


summary

Introduced
07/31/2020
In Committee
07/31/2020
Crossed Over
12/10/2020
Passed
12/24/2020
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
01/05/2021

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

Addresses health information technology provisions concerning cybersecurity practices and information blocking. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may reduce fines and penalties for violations of certain federal privacy standards for health information if an entity subject to those standards has adopted particular cybersecurity practices. also authorizes HHS's Office of the Inspector General to obtain information, assistance, and other support from federal agencies when investigating claims of information blocking by developers of, or entities offering, health information technologies. Information blocking refers to a practice that is likely to interfere with, prevent, or materially discourage access, exchange, or use of electronic health information, such as the imposition of fees that make exchanging this information cost prohibitive.

AI Summary

This bill aims to amend the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider certain recognized security practices of covered entities and business associates when making determinations related to fines, audits, or other remedies for violations of the HIPAA Security Rule. The bill defines "recognized security practices" as standards, guidelines, and best practices developed under various government and industry initiatives. The bill also provides technical corrections to grant the HHS Inspector General certain investigative authorities with respect to claims of information blocking by health IT developers or entities. Information blocking refers to practices that interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Became Public Law No: 116-321. (on 01/05/2021)

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