Bill > S262

This bill aims to protect patients' electronic health information by establishing strict guidelines for healthcare providers and third-party application programming interfaces (APIs). It requires all healthcare providers in Massachusetts to comply with the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, which mandates interoperability and patient access to electronic health records. The bill introduces a requirement for the executive office of health and human services to develop a standardized notification form that informs patients about their rights regarding electronic health information. Additionally, the bill prohibits third-party APIs from collecting, selling, or profiting from patient health information without express written consent, which can be obtained electronically. The legislation establishes significant penalties for violations, including fines of at least $1,000 per day per violation, and classifies such violations as unfair or deceptive acts. The Office of Patient Protection will assist consumers with questions about electronic health information accessibility and will record and submit reported violations to relevant state and federal authorities. The bill is designed to protect patients from potential misuse of their sensitive health data by creating robust consent and transparency requirements.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S262