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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5442 Introduced in House (IH)]

110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 5442

To provide individuals with access to health information of which they 
       are a subject, to ensure personal privacy, security, and 
confidentiality with respect to health related information in promoting 
   the development of a nationwide interoperable health information 
infrastructure, to impose criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized 
     use of personal health information, to provide for the strong 
 enforcement of these rights, to protect States' rights, and for other 
                               purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 14, 2008

 Mr. Markey (for himself, Mr. Emanuel, and Mrs. Capps) introduced the 
   following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
    Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, 
    Education and Labor, and Financial Services, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
To provide individuals with access to health information of which they 
       are a subject, to ensure personal privacy, security, and 
confidentiality with respect to health related information in promoting 
   the development of a nationwide interoperable health information 
infrastructure, to impose criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized 
     use of personal health information, to provide for the strong 
 enforcement of these rights, to protect States' rights, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Technologies for 
Restoring Users' Security and Trust in Health Information Act of 2008'' 
or as the ``TRUST in Health Information Act of 2008''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Findings; purposes.
            TITLE I--HEALTH INFORMATION PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Sec. 100. Summary of privacy rights and security obligations.
   Subtitle A--Access to and Accuracy of Personal Health Information

Sec. 101. Inspection and copying of personal health information.
Sec. 102. Modifications to personal health information.
          Subtitle B--Security of Personal Health Information

Sec. 111. Notice of privacy practices.
Sec. 112. Establishment of safeguards.
Sec. 113. Notification in the case of breach.
Sec. 114. Transparency.
Sec. 115. Risk management.
Sec. 116. Accounting for disclosures and use.
     Subtitle C--Use and Disclosure of Personal Health Information

                    Chapter 1--General Restrictions

Sec. 121. General rules regarding use and disclosure.
Sec. 122. Informed consent for disclosure of personal health 
                            information for treatment and payment.
Sec. 123. Informed consent and authorization for disclosure of personal 
                            health information other than for treatment 
                            or payment.
                         Chapter 2--Exceptions

Sec. 131. Disclosure for law enforcement, national security, and 
                            intelligence purposes.
Sec. 132. Disclosure for public health purposes.
Sec. 133. Reporting of abuse and neglect to protection and advocacy 
                            agencies.
Sec. 134. Disclosure to next of kin and directory information.
                    Chapter 3--Special Circumstances

Sec. 141. Emergency circumstances.
Sec. 142. Health research.
Sec. 143. Health oversight functions.
Sec. 144. Individual representatives.
                        Subtitle D--Enforcement

Sec. 151. In general.
Sec. 152. Enforcement by State attorneys general.
                       Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

Sec. 161. Office of Health Information Privacy.
Sec. 162. Protection for whistleblowers.
Sec. 163. Demonstration grant for individuals with limited English 
                            language proficiency or limited health 
                            literacy.
Sec. 164. Relationship to other laws.
Sec. 165. Effective date.
                    Subtitle F--General Definitions

Sec. 171. General definitions.
          TITLE II--PROMOTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

   Subtitle A--Improving the Interoperability of Health Information 
                               Technology

Sec. 201. Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information 
                            Technology.
Sec. 202. Partnership for Health Care Improvement.
Sec. 203. American Health Information Community policies.
Sec. 204. Research access to health care data and reporting on 
                            performance.
   Subtitle B--Facilitating the Widespread Adoption of Interoperable 
                     Health Information Technology

Sec. 211. Facilitating the widespread adoption of interoperable health 
                            information technology.
Sec. 212. Demonstration program to integrate information technology 
                            into clinical education.
Sec. 213. Qualified health information technology system defined.
            Subtitle C--Improving the Quality of Health Care

Sec. 221. Fostering development and use of health care quality 
                            measures.
Sec. 222. Adoption and use of quality measures; reporting.
                  Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 231. Health Information Technology Resource Center.
Sec. 232. Facilitating the provision of telehealth services across 
                            State lines.
                        Subtitle E--Definitions

Sec. 241. Definitions.
                    TITLE III--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 301. Federal purchasing and data collection by CMS and other 
                            Federal agencies.
Sec. 302. Ensuring health care providers participating in the medicare 
                            program may maintain health information in 
                            electronic form.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSES.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Americans are deeply concerned about the privacy and 
        security of their personal information, including their health 
        records.
            (2) In October 2007, a Harris Interactive Poll commissioned 
        by the Institute of Medicine found that 58 percent of 
        respondents indicated they do not believe Federal and State 
        laws and organizational practices offer sufficient protection 
        of personal health information.
            (3) In February 2007, the Markle Foundation reported that 
        80 percent of individuals surveyed were very concerned about 
        identity theft or fraud and 77 percent were very concerned that 
        their medical information would be used for marketing purposes.
            (4) Concerns about the privacy and security of personal 
        health information are fueled by the escalating number of 
        breaches of personal information that have occurred in recent 
        years and numerous reports of the inadequacy of the security of 
        electronic networks.
            (5) According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, more 
        than 216,000,000 data records belonging to U.S. residents have 
        been exposed to potential misuse as a result of security 
        breaches since January 2005.
            (6) A nationwide interoperable health information 
        infrastructure can strengthen privacy, security, and 
        confidentiality safeguards, protecting patients' personal 
        health information while also improving health care quality, 
        safety, and affordability.
            (7) In order for individuals, health care providers, and 
        health care payers to achieve the benefits associated with such 
        infrastructure, strong data privacy, security, and 
        confidentiality standards must be developed, adopted, and 
        incorporated into the health information technology 
        infrastructure.
            (8) While Executive Order 13335 regarding interoperable 
        health information technology issued on April 27, 2004, called 
        for widespread adoption of interoperable electronic health 
        records within 10 years, established the position of National 
        Coordinator of Health Information Technology, and stipulated 
        that the plan for the nationwide implementation of 
        interoperable health information technology should address 
        privacy and security issues, adequate progress has not been 
        made to ensure that a strong data privacy, security, and 
        confidentiality approach will guide the development of this 
        nationwide infrastructure beginning in its initial stages and 
        continuing throughout its formulation.
            (9) According to a February 1, 2007, report of the 
        Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of 
        Health and Human Services and its Office of the National 
        Coordinator of Health Information Technology have not yet 
        defined an overall approach for integrating privacy-related 
        initiatives the Department has undertaken in the area of health 
        information technology or addressing key privacy principles, 
        nor has the Department defined milestones for integrating the 
        results of these activities while it has moved forward with 
        development of standards for a national electronic health 
        information system.
            (10) All Americans have a right to privacy, security, and 
        confidentiality with respect to the electronic disclosure of 
        their personal health information, and the nationwide 
        implementation of interoperable health information technology 
        should abide by, and be consistent with, this right.
            (11) Without adequate privacy, security, and 
        confidentiality standards, individuals will be more likely to 
        avoid or delay medical treatment or withhold pertinent 
        information from their health providers, potentially resulting 
        in lost productivity, increased morbidity rates, and increased 
        costs to the health care system.
            (12) As stipulated by the Secretary of Health and Human 
        Services in the Final Rule for Standards for Privacy of 
        Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 C.F.R. parts 
        160 and 164), the standards contained in the Final Rule are 
        intended to establish a floor of privacy protection and are not 
        designed to serve as ``best practices'' for the use or 
        disclosure of personal health information.
            (13) To guide the development, implementation, and 
        operation of an interoperable nationwide health information 
        technology infrastructure, Congress should establish specific 
        minimum standards for the use and disclosure of individuals' 
        personal health information and direct the Department of Health 
        and Human Services to promulgate regulations relating to 
        personal health information that are consistent with 
        individuals' right to privacy, security, and confidentiality 
        with respect to the electronic use or disclosure of their 
        personal health information, the public interest, and the 
        purposes of this Act.
    (b) Purpose.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
            (1) To recognize that individuals have a right to privacy, 
        confidentiality, and security with respect to health 
        information, including genetic information, and that those 
        fundamental rights are rooted in the Nation's history and 
        medical ethics and must be protected.
            (2) To ensure that individuals are able to exercise their 
        right to health information privacy by requiring their consent 
        for the use and disclosure of their identifiable health 
        information unless otherwise required by law.
            (3) To encourage the development of a nationwide 
        interoperable health information technology infrastructure that 
        protects individuals' privacy, confidentiality, and security 
        with respect to their health information while also improving 
        health care quality, promoting data accuracy, reducing medical 
        errors, and increasing the efficiency of care.
            (4) To create incentives to turn personal health 
        information into de-identified health information (as defined 
        in section 171(5)), where appropriate.
            (5) To designate an Office of Health Information Privacy 
        within the Department of Health and Human Services to protect 
        individuals' right of privacy.
            (6) To provide individuals with--
                    (A) access to health information of which they are 
                the subject;
                    (B) the opportunity to challenge the accuracy and 
                completeness of such information by being able to file 
                modifications to or request the deletion of such 
                information; and
                    (C) the right to limit the use and disclosure of 
                personal health information.
            (7) To establish strong and effective mechanisms to protect 
        against the unauthorized and inappropriate use of personal 
        health information and ensure that these mechanisms safeguard 
        this information wherever it may reside.
            (8) To provide notice to individuals of breaches of their 
        personal health information.
            (9) To invoke the sweep of congressional powers, including 
        the power to enforce the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, to 
        regulate commerce, and to abrogate the immunity of the States 
        under the 11th Amendment to the Constitution, in order to 
        address violations of the rights of individuals to privacy, to 
        provide individuals with access to their health information, 
        and to prevent the unauthorized use of personal health 
        information that is genetic information.
            (10) To establish strong and effective remedies for 
        violations of this Act.
            (11) To protect the rights of States.

            TITLE I--HEALTH INFORMATION PRIVACY AND SECURITY

SEC. 100. SUMMARY OF PRIVACY RIGHTS AND SECURITY OBLIGATIONS.

    (a) Privacy Rights.--In order to provide individuals who are the 
subject of personal health information with privacy, security, and 
control in the use and disclosure of such information, such individuals 
are provided the following rights under this title:
            (1) The right to not have their personal health information 
        disclosed without their informed consent unless otherwise 
        required by law, pursuant to subtitle C.
            (2) The right to inspect and copy their personal health 
        information, pursuant to section 101.
            (3) The right to correct, supplement, or remove their 
        personal information held by a person, pursuant to section 102.
            (4) The right to prohibit access by certain categories of 
        persons to particularly sensitive personal health information 
        about individuals, such as information relating to mental 
        health, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and 
        infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pursuant 
        to section 122.
            (5) The right to receive notification of actual or 
        suspected security breaches of their personal health 
        information, pursuant to section 113.
            (6) The right to receive an accounting of all electronic 
        disclosures of their personal health information upon request, 
        pursuant to section 116.
    (b) Security Obligations.--A person that discloses, uses, or 
receives an individual's personal health information has obligations 
under this title, including the following:
            (1) The obligation to expressly recognize the right to 
        privacy and security of such individual with respect to the use 
        and disclosure of such information under subtitle B.
            (2) The obligation to permit individuals who are the 
        subject of such personal health information to inspect and copy 
        the personal health information concerning the individual 
        pursuant to section 101.
            (3) The obligation to provide written notification to an 
        individual of the person's privacy practices pursuant to 
        section 111.
            (4) The obligation to promptly notify individuals of an 
        actual or suspected security breach of their personal health 
        information pursuant to section 113.
            (5) The obligation to establish and maintain appropriate 
        administrative, organizational, technical and physical 
        safeguards to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, security, 
        accuracy, and integrity of personal health information that is 
        accessed, maintained, modified, recorded, stored, destroyed, or 
        otherwise used or disclosed by such person pursuant to section 
        112.
            (6) The obligation to make publicly available on the 
        Internet a list, including contact information, of each data 
        partner with which the person has entered into a contract or 
        relationship to provide services involving personal health 
        information pursuant to section 114.
            (7) The obligation to obtain an individual's informed 
        consent or authorization before using or disclosing an 
        individual's personal health information pursuant to chapter 1 
        of subtitle C.
            (8) The obligation to establish and update risk management 
        processes to protect against vulnerabilities to the privacy and 
        security of individual's personal health information pursuant 
        to sections 112 and 114.
            (9) The obligation to establish and maintain a record of 
        each disclosure of an individual's personal health information 
        pursuant to section 116.
            (10) The obligation to provide individuals with concise, 
        comprehensive, and explicit information if seeking to use or 
        disclose their personal health information for marketing 
        purposes and receive a separate authorization from an 
        individual before using or disclosing the information for that 
        purpose pursuant to section 123.

   Subtitle A--Access to and Accuracy of Personal Health Information

SEC. 101. INSPECTION AND COPYING OF PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION.

    (a) Right of Individual.--
            (1) In general.--A health information person (as defined in 
        section 171(13)) shall permit an individual who is the subject 
        of personal health information (as defined in section 171(23)) 
        that the person holds, uses, or discloses, or the individual's 
        designee, to inspect and copy the personal health information 
        concerning the individual.
            (2) Procedures and fees.--A health information person may 
        establish appropriate procedures to be followed for inspection 
        and copying under paragraph (1) and may require an individual 
        to pay reasonable fees associated with such inspection and 
        copying in an amount that is not in excess of the actual costs 
        of providing such copying. Such fees may not be assessed where 
        such an assessment would have the effect of inhibiting an 
        individual from gaining access to the information described in 
        paragraph (1).
    (b) Deadline.--A health information person shall comply with a 
request for inspection or copying of personal health information under 
this section not later than--
            (1) 15 business days after the date on which the person 
        receives the request, if such request requires the inspection, 
        copying, or sending of printed materials; or
            (2) 5 business days after the date on which the person 
        receives the request, or sooner if the Secretary determines 
        appropriate, if such request requires only the inspection, 
        copying, or sending of electronic or other digital materials.
    (c) Rules Governing Agents.--A person that is the agent, officer, 
or employee of a health information person shall provide for the 
inspection and copying of personal health information if--
            (1) the personal health information is retained by the 
        person; and
            (2) the person has been asked by the health information 
        person to fulfill the requirements of this section.
    (d) Special Rule Relating to Ongoing Clinical Trials.--With respect 
to personal health information that is created as part of an 
individual's voluntary participation in an ongoing clinical trial, 
access to the information shall be provided within 15 business days 
after the date on which the health information person receives the 
request or consistent with the individual's agreement to participate in 
the clinical trial, whichever is sooner.

SEC. 102. MODIFICATIONS TO PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 15 business days, or earlier if the 
Secretary determines appropriate, after the date on which a health 
information person receives from an individual a request in writing to 
supplement, correct, amend, segregate, or remove personal health 
information that the person holds, uses, or discloses concerning the 
individual, such person--
            (1) shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), modify the 
        information, by adding the requested supplement, correction, or 
        amendment to the information, or by removing any information 
        that has been requested to be destroyed;
            (2) shall inform the individual that the modification has 
        been made; and
            (3) shall make reasonable efforts to inform any person to 
        which the portion of the unmodified information was previously 
        disclosed, of any substantive modification that has been made.
    (b) Refusal To Modify.--If a health information person declines to 
make the modification requested under subsection (a) within 15 business 
days after receipt of such request, such person shall inform the 
individual in writing of--
            (1) the reasons for declining to make the modification;
            (2) any procedures for further review of the declining of 
        such modification; and
            (3) the individual's right to file with the person a 
        concise statement setting forth the requested modification and 
        the individual's reasons for disagreeing with the declining 
        person and the individual's right to include a copy of this 
        refusal in the health record set (as defined in section 
        171(17)) concerning the individual.
    (c) Statement of Disagreement.--If an individual has filed with a 
health information person a statement of disagreement under subsection 
(b)(3), the person, in any subsequent disclosure of the disputed 
portion of the information--
            (1) shall include, at the individual's request, a copy of 
        the individual's statement in the individual's health record 
        set; and
            (2) may include a concise statement of the reasons for not 
        making the requested modification.
    (d) Rules Governing Agents.--A person that is the agent of a health 
information person shall only be required to make a modification to 
personal health information where--
            (1) the personal health information is retained, 
        distributed, used, or maintained by the agent; and
            (2) the agent has been asked by such person to fulfill the 
        requirements of this section.

          Subtitle B--Security of Personal Health Information

SEC. 111. NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES.

    (a) Preparation of Written Notice.--A health information person 
shall prepare a written notice of the privacy practices of such person, 
including information with respect to the following:
            (1) The express right of an individual to privacy, 
        security, and confidentiality with respect to the disclosure of 
        such individual's personal health information.
            (2) The procedures for an individual to exercise that right 
        by authorizing disclosures of personal health information, and 
        to object to, modify, and revoke such authorizations.
            (3) The right of an individual to inspect, copy, and modify 
        that individual's personal health information.
            (4) The right of an individual not to have employment or 
        the receipt of services or choice of health plan conditioned 
        upon the execution by the individual of an authorization for 
        disclosure, except as permitted by section 122(c).
            (5) A description of--
                    (A) the categories or types of employees, by 
                general category or by general job description, who 
                have access to or use of personal health information 
                regarding the individual;
                    (B) the right of the individual to limit access to 
                or use of his or her personal health information by 
                employees, agents, and contractors of the person; and
                    (C) the procedures for effecting such limitations.
            (6) A simple, concise description of any information 
        systems used to store or transmit personal health information, 
        including a description of any linkages made with other 
        networks, systems, or databases outside the person's direct 
        control.
            (7) The circumstances under which the information will be, 
        lawfully and actually, used or disclosed without an 
        authorization executed by the individual.
            (8) A statement that, if an individual elects to pay for 
        health care from the individual's own funds, that individual 
        may elect for personal health information, including any 
        identifying information, not to be disclosed to anyone other 
        than designated health care providers, unless such disclosure 
        is required by mandatory reporting requirements or other 
        similar information collection duties required by law.
            (9) The right of the individual to have continued 
        maintenance, distribution, or storage of that individual's 
        personal health information not conditioned upon whether that 
        individual amends or revokes an authorization for disclosure, 
        or requests a modification of personal health information.
            (10) The right of and procedures for an individual to 
        request that personal health information be transferred to a 
        third party person without unreasonable delay.
            (11) The right to prompt notification of an actual or 
        suspected security breach of personal health information, and 
        how such breaches will be remedied by the person.
            (12) The right of an individual to inspect and obtain a 
        copy of records of authorized and unauthorized disclosures as 
        well as attempted and actual access and use by an authorized or 
        unauthorized person.
            (13) The right of an individual to exercise nondisclosure 
        and nonuse rights with respect to their personal health 
        information, including the right to opt out of any local, 
        regional, or nationwide health information network or system 
        that is used by the person.
    (b) Provision and Posting of Written Notice.--
            (1) Provision.--A health information person shall provide 
        in writing a copy of the notice of privacy practices required 
        under subsection (a)--
                    (A) at the first contact between the individual and 
                the person; and
                    (B) upon the request of an individual.
            (2) Posting.--A health information person shall post, in a 
        clear and conspicuous manner, a brief summary of the privacy 
        practices of the person.
    (c) Model Notice.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Director 
of the Office of Health Information Privacy, after notice and 
opportunity for public comment, shall develop and disseminate model 
notices of privacy practices, and model summary notices for posting for 
use under this section. Use of such model notice shall be deemed to 
satisfy the requirements of this section.

SEC. 112. ESTABLISHMENT OF SAFEGUARDS.

    (a) In General.--A health information person shall--
            (1) establish and maintain appropriate administrative, 
        organizational, technical, and physical safeguards and 
        procedures to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, security, 
        accuracy, and integrity of personal health information that is 
        accessed, maintained, retained, modified, recorded, stored, 
        destroyed, or otherwise held, used, or disclosed by such 
        person; and
            (2) employ an individual whose responsibilities include the 
        management of the person's information security.
    (b) Factors To Be Considered.--The policies and safeguards 
established under subsection (a) shall ensure that--
            (1) personal health information is used or disclosed only 
        with informed consent (as defined in section 171(19));
            (2) the categories of personnel who will, with the informed 
        consent of the individual, have access to personal health 
        information are identified;
            (3) the feasibility of limiting access to personal health 
        information is considered;
            (4) the privacy, security, and confidentiality of personal 
        health information is maintained;
            (5) personal health information is protected against any 
        reasonably anticipated vulnerabilities to the privacy, 
        security, or integrity of such information; and
            (6) personal health information is protected against 
        unauthorized access, use, or misuse of such information.
    (c) Model Guidelines.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
Director of the Office of Health Information Privacy appointed under 
section 161, after notice and opportunity for public comment, in 
accordance with the requirements of chapter 5 of title 5, United States 
Code, shall develop and disseminate model guidelines for the 
establishment of safeguards and procedures for use under this section, 
such as, where appropriate, individual authentication of uses of 
computer systems, access controls, audit trails, encryption or any 
additional security methodology or technology other than encryption 
which renders data in electronic form unreadable or indecipherable, 
physical security, protection of remote access points and protection of 
external electronic communications, periodic security assessments, 
incident reports, and sanctions. The Secretary, in consultation with 
the Director, shall update and disseminate the guidelines, as 
appropriate, to take advantage of new technologies, so as to ensure 
that the guidelines emphasize the need for stringent privacy, security, 
and confidentiality safeguards and procedures.
    (d) Review and Updating of Safeguards.--Persons subject to this 
title shall monitor, evaluate, and adjust, as appropriate, all 
safeguards and procedures, concomitant with relevant changes in 
technology, the sensitivity of personally identifiable information, 
internal or external threats to personally identifiable information, 
and any changes in the contracts or business of the person. For the 
purpose of reviewing and updating safeguards, the Secretary may provide 
technical assistance to health information persons, as appropriate.

SEC. 113. NOTIFICATION IN THE CASE OF BREACH.

    (a) In General.--A health information person that accesses, 
maintains, retains, modifies, records, stores, destroys, or otherwise 
holds, uses, or discloses personal health information shall, following 
the discovery of a security breach (as defined in section 171(28)) of 
such information, notify each individual whose personal health 
information has been, or is reasonably believed to have been, accessed, 
or acquired during such breach.
    (b) Obligation of Owner or Licensee.--
            (1) Notice to owner or licensee.--Any person engaged in 
        interstate commerce, that uses, accesses, transmits, stores, 
        disposes of, or collects personal health information that the 
        person does not own or license shall notify the owner or 
        licensee of the information following the discovery of a 
        security breach involving such information.
            (2) Notice by owner, licensee, or other designated third 
        party.--Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prevent 
        or abrogate an agreement between a person required to give 
        notice under this section and a designated third party, 
        including an owner or licensee of the personal health 
        information subject to the security breach, to provide the 
        notifications required under subsection (a).
            (3) Person relieved from giving notice.--A person obligated 
        to give notice under subsection (a) shall be relieved of such 
        obligation if an owner or licensee of the personal health 
        information subject to the security breach, or other designated 
        third party, provides such notification.
    (c) Timeliness of Notification.--
            (1) In general.--All notifications required under this 
        section shall be made within 15 business days, or earlier if 
        the Secretary determines appropriate, following the discovery 
        by the person of a security breach.
            (2) Burden of proof.--The person required to provide 
        notification under this section shall have the burden of 
        demonstrating that all notifications were made as required 
        under this subtitle, including evidence demonstrating the 
        necessity of any delay.
    (d) Methods of Notice.--A person described in subsection (a) shall 
provide to an individual the following forms of notice in the case of a 
security breach:
            (1) Individual notice.--Notice required under this section 
        shall be provided in such form as the individual selects, 
        including--
                    (A) written notification to the last known home 
                mailing address of the individual in the records of the 
                person;
                    (B) telephone notice to the individual personally; 
                or
                    (C) e-mail notice, if the individual has consented 
                to receive such notice and the notice is consistent 
                with the provisions permitting electronic transmission 
                of notices under section 101 of the Electronic 
                Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 
                U.S.C. 7001).
            (2) Media notice.--Notice shall be provided to prominent 
        media outlets serving a State or jurisdiction, if the personal 
        health information of more than 500 residents of such State or 
        jurisdiction is, or is reasonably believed to have been, 
        acquired by an unauthorized person.
            (3) Notice to secretary.--Notice shall be provided to the 
        Secretary for health information persons that have lost, 
        stolen, disclosed, or used in an unauthorized manner or for an 
        unauthorized purpose the personal health information of a 
        significant number of individuals.
    (e) Content of Notification.--Regardless of the method by which 
notice is provided to individuals under this section, notice of a 
security breach shall include, to the extent possible--
            (1) a description of the personal health information that 
        has been, or is reasonably believed to have been, accessed, 
        disclosed, or otherwise used by an unauthorized person;
            (2) a toll-free number that the individual may use to 
        contact the person described in subsection (a) to learn what 
        types of personal health information the person maintained 
        about that individual; and
            (3) toll-free contact telephone numbers and addresses for 
        major credit reporting agencies.
    (f) Delay of Notification Authorized for Law Enforcement 
Purposes.--
            (1) In general.--If a Federal law enforcement agency 
        determines that the notification required under this section 
        would impede a criminal investigation or cause damage to 
        national security, such notification shall be delayed upon 
        written notice from the Federal law enforcement agency to the 
        person that experienced the breach.
            (2) Extended delay of notification.--If the notification 
        required under subsection (a) is delayed pursuant to paragraph 
        (1), a person shall give notice not later than 30 days after 
        such law enforcement delay was invoked unless a Federal law 
        enforcement agency provides written notification that further 
        delay is necessary.

SEC. 114. TRANSPARENCY.

    (a) Public List of Data Partners.--
            (1) In general.--A health information person shall 
        establish a list of data partners (as defined in paragraph (2)) 
        with which such person has entered into a contract or 
        relationship for the purposes of providing services involving 
        any personal health information held, used, or disclosed by the 
        person. Such list and the contact information for each partner 
        shall be made publicly accessible on the Internet.
            (2) Data partner defined.--In paragraph (1), the term 
        ``data partner'' means a data bank, data warehouse, information 
        clearinghouse, record locator system, or other business entity, 
        which for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit 
        basis, engages in the practice of accessing, collecting, 
        maintaining, modifying, storing, recording, transmitting, 
        destroying, or otherwise using or disclosing the personal 
        health information of individuals. Any person maintaining 
        personal health information for the purposes of making such 
        information available to the individual or the health care 
        provider, including persons furnishing free or paid personal 
        health records, electronic health records, electronic medical 
        records, and related products and services, shall be deemed to 
        be a data partner subject to the requirements of this title.
    (b) Subcontracting and Outsourcing Overseas.--In the event a health 
information person contracts with service providers not subject to this 
title, including service providers operating in a foreign country, such 
person shall--
            (1) take reasonable steps to select and retain third party 
        service providers capable of maintaining appropriate safeguards 
        for the security, privacy, and integrity of personal health 
        information;
            (2) require by contract that such service providers 
        implement and maintain appropriate measures designed to meet 
        the requirements applicable to health information persons under 
        this title;
            (3) be held liable for any violation of this title by an 
        overseas service provider or other provider not subject to this 
        title; and
            (4) in the case of a service provider operating in a 
        foreign country, obtain the informed consent of the individual 
        involved prior to outsourcing such individual's personal health 
        information to such provider.
    (c) List of Persons.--The Secretary shall maintain a public list 
identifying health information persons that have lost, stolen, 
disclosed, or used in an unauthorized manner or for an unauthorized 
purpose the personal health information of 1,000 or more individuals. 
The list shall include how many individuals were affected by such 
action and be displayed on the Web site of the Department of Health and 
Human Services.

SEC. 115. RISK MANAGEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Each health information person shall establish 
risk management and control processes to protect against anticipated 
vulnerabilities to the privacy, security, and integrity of personal 
health information that the person accesses, holds, uses, or discloses.
    (b) Risk Assessment.--A health information person shall perform 
annual risk assessments of procedures, systems, or networks involved in 
the creation, accessing, maintenance, retention, modification, 
recording, storage, distribution, destruction, or other use or 
disclosure of personal health information. Such risk assessment shall 
include--
            (1) identifying reasonably foreseeable internal and 
        external vulnerabilities that could result in inaccuracy or in 
        unauthorized access, disclosure, use, or modification of 
        personal health information, or of systems containing personal 
        health information;
            (2) assessing the likelihood of and potential damage from 
        inaccuracy or from unauthorized access, disclosure, use, or 
        modification of personal health information;
            (3) assessing the sufficiency of policies, technologies, 
        and safeguards in place to enable compliance with individuals' 
        informed consent to the access, disclosure, use, or 
        modification of their personal health information and minimize 
        and control risks from unauthorized access, disclosure, use, or 
        modification of individuals' personal health information; and
            (4) assessing the vulnerability of personal health 
        information during destruction and disposal of such 
        information, including through the disposal or retirement of 
        hardware.
    (c) Risk Management.--A health information person shall establish 
risk management and control procedures designed to control risks such 
as those identified in subsection (b). Such procedures shall include--
            (1) a means for the detection and recording of actual or 
        attempted, unauthorized, fraudulent, or otherwise unlawful 
        access, disclosure, transmission, modification, use, or loss of 
        personal health information;
            (2) procedures for ensuring the secure disposal of personal 
        health information;
            (3) a means for limiting physical access to hardware, 
        software, data storage technology, servers, systems, or 
        networks by unauthorized persons in order to minimize the risk 
        of information disclosure, modification, transmission, access, 
        use, or loss;
            (4) providing appropriate risk management and control 
        training for employees; and
            (5) carrying out annual testing of such risk management and 
        control procedures.

SEC. 116. ACCOUNTING FOR DISCLOSURES AND USE.

    (a) In General.--A health information person shall establish and 
maintain, with respect to any personal health information disclosure, a 
record of each disclosure in accordance with regulations promulgated by 
the Secretary in consultation with the Director of the Office of Health 
Information Privacy. Such record shall include the purpose of any 
disclosure and the identity of the specific individual executing the 
disclosure, as well as the person to which such information is 
disclosed.
    (b) Maintenance of Record.--A record established under subsection 
(a) shall be maintained for not less than 6 years.
    (c) Electronic Records.--A health information person shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable, maintain an accessible electronic record 
concerning each access, use, or disclosure, whether authorized or 
unauthorized and whether successful or unsuccessful, of personal health 
information maintained by such person in electronic form. The record 
shall include the identities of the specific individuals (or a way to 
identify such individuals, or information helpful in determining the 
identities of such individuals) who access or seek to gain access to, 
use or seek to use, or disclose or seek to disclose, information 
sufficient to identify the personal health information sought or 
accessed, and other appropriate information.
    (d) Access to Records.--A health information person shall permit an 
individual who is the subject of personal health information, or the 
individual's designee, to inspect and copy the records created in 
subsections (a) and (c).

     Subtitle C--Use and Disclosure of Personal Health Information

                    CHAPTER 1--GENERAL RESTRICTIONS

SEC. 121. GENERAL RULES REGARDING USE AND DISCLOSURE.

    (a) Prohibition.--
            (1) General rule.--A person may not disclose, access, or 
        use personal health information except as authorized under this 
        title.
            (2) Rule of construction.--Disclosure or use of health 
        information that meets the standards of being de-identified 
        health information shall not be construed as a disclosure or 
        use of personal health information.
    (b) Scope of Disclosure or Use.--
            (1) In general.--A disclosure or use of personal health 
        information under this subtitle shall be limited to the minimum 
        amount of information necessary to accomplish the purpose for 
        which the disclosure or use is made, such as the individual's 
        name and address, date of service, place of service, type of 
        service, cost of service, and diagnosis.
            (2) Determination.--The determination as to what 
        constitutes the minimum disclosure or use possible for purposes 
        of paragraph (1) shall be made by the individual or entity 
        holding the information. The minimum necessary standard is 
        intended to be consistent with, and not override, professional 
        judgment and standards.
    (c) Use or Disclosure for Purpose Only.--
            (1) In general.--An authorized recipient (as defined in 
        paragraph (2)) of information pursuant to this subtitle may use 
        or disclose such information solely to carry out the purpose 
        for which the information was disclosed, except as provided in 
        section 143.
            (2) Authorized recipient defined.--In paragraph (1), the 
        term ``authorized recipient'' means a person granted the 
        authority by an individual, in accordance with this title, to 
        access, maintain, retain, modify, record, store, destroy, or 
        otherwise use the individual's personal health information 
        through an authorized disclosure.
    (d) No General Requirement To Disclose.--Nothing in this subtitle 
permitting the disclosure of personal health information shall be 
construed to require such disclosure.
    (e) Identification of Disclosed Information as Personal Health 
Information.--Personal health information disclosed or used pursuant to 
this subtitle shall be clearly identified and labeled as personal 
health information that is subject to this title.
    (f) Disclosure or Use by Agents.--An agent, employee, or affiliate 
of a health information person that accesses, seeks to access, obtains, 
discloses, uses, or receives personal health information from such 
person, shall be subject to this subtitle to the same extent as the 
person.
    (g) Disclosure or Use by Others.--A person receiving personal 
health information initially held by a person described in subsection 
(f) shall be subject to this subtitle to the same extent as the person 
described in subsection (f).
    (h) Creation of De-Identified Information.--Notwithstanding 
subsection (c), but subject to the other provisions of this section, a 
person described in subsection (f) may disclose personal health 
information to an employee or other agent of the person for purposes of 
creating de-identified information.
    (i) Unauthorized Use or Disclosure of the Decryption Key.--The 
unauthorized disclosure of a decryption key (as defined in section 
171(7)) or other secondary or tertiary means for accessing personal 
health information shall be deemed for purposes of this subtitle to be 
a disclosure of personal health information. The unauthorized use of a 
decryption key (or other secondary or tertiary means for accessing 
personal health information) or de-identified health information in 
order to identify an individual is deemed for purposes of this subtitle 
to be disclosure of personal health information.
    (j) No Waiver.--Except as provided in this title, an informed 
consent or other authorization to disclose or use personally 
identifiable health information executed by an individual pursuant to 
this subtitle shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights that the 
individual has under other Federal or State laws, the rules of 
evidence, or common law.
    (k) Opt-in to Network Sharing.--
            (1) In general.--Before a health information person may 
        share personal health information, through disclosure, access, 
        use, or otherwise, with a health information network or system, 
        the individual must opt in to the sharing of such information 
        with such network or system.
            (2) Health information network or system defined.--In this 
        subsection, the term ``health information network or system'' 
        means an interoperable health information infrastructure 
        consisting of health information systems and other networks 
        that connect providers, consumers, and others involved in 
        supporting health and health care.
    (l) Disposal of Data.--To prevent the unauthorized disclosure or 
use of personal health information, such information, when disposed of, 
shall be de-identified, destroyed, or expunged from any electronic, 
paper, or other files and documents maintained by authorized persons to 
make such information permanently unreadable and undecipherable.
    (m) Obligations of Unauthorized Recipients.--A person that obtains, 
accesses, or receives personal health information and that is an 
unauthorized recipient of such information may not access, maintain, 
retain, modify, record, store, destroy, or otherwise use or disclose 
such information for any purposes, and use or disclosure of personal 
health information under such circumstances shall be deemed for 
purposes of this subtitle an unauthorized disclosure of personal health 
information, unless the disclosure is for the purpose of informing the 
Secretary, law enforcement authorities, or Congress of the person's 
unauthorized receipt of the personal health information.

SEC. 122. INFORMED CONSENT FOR DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL HEALTH 
              INFORMATION FOR TREATMENT AND PAYMENT.

    (a) Requirements Relating to Employers, Health Plans, Health or 
Life Insurers, Uninsured and Self-Pay Individuals, and Providers.--
            (1) In general.--An employer, health plan, health or life 
        insurer, or health care provider that seeks to disclose 
        personal health information in connection with treatment or 
        payment shall obtain informed consent (as defined in section 
        171(19)) from the subject of such personal health information 
        that satisfies the requirements of this section. A single 
        consent may authorize multiple disclosures.
            (2) Health plans, health or life insurers.--Every health 
        plan or health or life insurer offering enrollment to 
        individual or nonemployer groups shall, at the time of 
        enrollment in the plan or insurance, obtain an informed consent 
        for the use and disclosure of personal health information with 
        respect to each individual who is eligible to receive care or 
        benefits under the plan or insurance.
            (3) Uninsured and self-pay.--An originating provider that 
        provides health care in other than a network plan setting, or 
        provides health care to an uninsured individual, shall obtain 
        an informed consent for access to or use of personal health 
        information in providing health care or arranging for health 
        care from other providers or seeking payment for the provision 
        of health care services.
            (4) Providers.--Every health care provider that provides 
        health care to an individual that has not been given the 
        appropriate prior consent under this section, shall at the time 
        of providing such care, or at such time as is practicable if 
        services are necessary prior to the opportunity to obtain 
        consent, obtain an informed consent for the use and disclosure 
        of personal health information with respect to such individual.
    (b) Requirements for Individual Informed Consent.--To satisfy the 
requirements of this subsection, an informed consent from an individual 
to disclose the individual's personal health information shall--
            (1) identify, by general job description or other 
        functional description and by geographic location, those 
        persons that are authorized to disclose the information, 
        including entities employed by a person authorized to disclose 
        the information;
            (2) describe the specific nature of the information to be 
        disclosed;
            (3) identify, by general job description or other 
        functional description and by geographic location, those 
        persons to which the information will be disclosed, including 
        entities employed by a person to which information is 
        authorized to be disclosed;
            (4) describe the purpose of the disclosures;
            (5) permit the executing individual to indicate that a 
        particular person or class of persons (a group of persons with 
        similar roles or functions) listed on the informed consent is 
        not authorized to receive personal health information 
        concerning the individual, except as provided for in subsection 
        (c)(3);
            (6) provide the means by which an individual may indicate 
        that some of the individual's personal health information 
        should be segregated and to what persons or classes of persons 
        such segregated information may be disclosed;
            (7) be subject to revocation by the individual and indicate 
        that the informed consent is valid until revocation by the 
        individual or until an event or date specified;
            (8)(A) be in writing, dated, and signed by the individual; 
        and
            (B) not have been revoked under subsection (f);
            (9) describe the procedure by which an individual can amend 
        an informed consent previously obtained by a person;
            (10) describe the extent to which the authorized person 
        will share information with sub-contracted persons, and the 
        geographic location of sub-contracted persons, including those 
        operating or located overseas, except that the authorized 
        person shall obtain the informed consent of the individual 
        involved prior to outsourcing such individual's personal health 
        information to a sub-contracted person operating or located 
        overseas; and
            (11) describe the nature and probability of harm to the 
        individual resulting from the informed consent for use or 
        disclosure, consistent with the principle of informed consent.
    (c) Limitation on Informed Consent.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a 
        health information person that seeks informed consent under 
        this subtitle may not condition the delivery of treatment or 
        payment for services on the receipt of such an informed 
        consent.
            (2) Right to require self-payment.--
                    (A) In general.--If an individual has refused to 
                provide an informed consent for disclosure of 
                administrative billing information (as defined in 
                subparagraph (B)) to a person and such informed consent 
                is necessary for a health care provider to receive 
                payment for services delivered, the health care 
                provider may require the individual to pay from their 
                own funds for the services.
                    (B) Administrative billing information.--In 
                subparagraph (A), the term ``administrative billing 
                information'' means any of the following forms of 
                personal health information:
                            (i) Date of service, policy, patient 
                        identifiers, and practitioner or facility 
                        identifiers.
                            (ii) Diagnostic codes, in accordance with 
                        medicare billing codes, for which treatment is 
                        being rendered or requested.
                            (iii) Complexity of service codes, 
                        indicating duration of treatment.
                            (iv) Total billed charges.
            (3) Right of health care provider to require informed 
        consent for treatment purposes.--If a health care provider that 
        is seeking an informed consent for disclosure of an 
        individual's personal health information believes that the 
        disclosure of such information is necessary so as not to 
        endanger the health or treatment of the individual, and if the 
        withholding of services will not endanger the life of the 
        individual, the health care provider may condition the 
        provision of services upon the individual's execution of an 
        informed consent to disclose personal health information to the 
        minimum extent necessary.
            (4) Informed consents for payment under certain 
        circumstances.--If an individual is in a physical or mental 
        condition such that the individual is not capable of 
        authorizing the disclosure of personal health information and 
        no other arrangements have been made to pay for the health care 
        services being rendered to the patient, such information may be 
        disclosed to a governmental authority to the extent necessary 
        to determine the individual's eligibility for, and to obtain, 
        payment under a governmental program for health care services 
        provided to the patient. The information may also be disclosed 
        to another provider of health care or health care service plan 
        as necessary to assist the other provider or health care 
        service plan in obtaining payment for health care services 
        rendered by that provider of health care or health care service 
        plan to the patient.
    (d) Model Informed Consent.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
the Director of the Office of Health Information Privacy, after notice 
and opportunity for public comment in accordance with section 553 of 
title 5, United States Code, shall develop and disseminate model 
written informed consents of the type described in this section, which 
represent informed consent from the subject of such personal health 
information that satisfies the requirements of this section, and model 
statements of the limitations on informed consents. Any informed 
consent obtained on a model informed consent form under this section 
developed by the Secretary pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be 
deemed to satisfy the requirements for an informed consent under this 
section.
    (e) Segregation of Files.--A health information person shall comply 
with the request of an individual who is the subject of personal health 
information--
            (1) to hide, mask, or mark separate any type or amount of 
        personal health information held by the person; and
            (2) to limit the use or disclosure of the segregated health 
        information within the person to those specifically designated 
        by the subject of the personal health information.
    (f) Revocation of Informed Consent.--
            (1) In general.--An individual may revoke or amend in 
        writing an informed consent under this section at any time, 
        unless the disclosure that is the subject of the consent is 
        required to effectuate payment for health care that has been 
        provided to the individual and for which the individual has 
        declined or refused to pay from the individual's own funds.
            (2) Health plan.--With respect to a health plan, the 
        informed consent of an individual is deemed to be revoked at 
        the time of the cancellation or non-renewal of enrollment in 
        the health plan, except as may be necessary to complete plan 
        administration and payment requirements related to the 
        individual's period of enrollment.
    (g) Record of Individual's Informed Consents and Revocations.--Each 
person accessing, maintaining, retaining, modifying, recording, 
storing, destroying, or otherwise using personally identifiable or 
personal health information for purposes of treatment or payment shall 
maintain a record for a period of 6 years of each informed consent by 
an individual and any revocation thereof, and such record shall become 
part of the individual's health record set.

SEC. 123. INFORMED CONSENT AND AUTHORIZATION FOR DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL 
              HEALTH INFORMATION OTHER THAN FOR TREATMENT OR PAYMENT.

    (a) In General.--A health information person that seeks to disclose 
personal health information for a purpose other than treatment or 
payment shall obtain informed consent. Such consent under this section 
shall be separate from an informed consent provided under section 122.
    (b) Limitation on Authorizations.--A person subject to section 122 
may not condition the delivery of treatment, or payment for services, 
on the receipt of an informed consent or authorization described in 
this section.
    (c) Model Informed Consents and Authorizations.--The Secretary, in 
consultation with the Director of the Office of Health Information 
Privacy, after notice and opportunity for public comment in accordance 
with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, shall develop and 
disseminate model informed consents of the type described in subsection 
(a) and written authorizations of the type described in subsections (d) 
and (e). Any consent or authorization obtained on a respective model 
form shall be deemed to meet the requirements under the respective 
subsection.
    (d) Requirement of Separate, Additional Authorization for Personnel 
Decisions.--A health information person subject to section 122 may not 
disclose personal health information to any employees or agents who are 
responsible for making employment, work assignment, or other personnel 
decisions with respect to the subject of the information without a 
separate, additional written authorization permitting such a 
disclosure.
    (e) Requirement of Separate, Additional Authorization for 
Marketing.--
            (1) In general.--A health information person may not 
        disclose personal health information for marketing purposes 
        without a separate, additional written authorization permitting 
        such a disclosure.
            (2) Requirements.--In the case of a disclosure of personal 
        health information for marketing purposes, a separate 
        authorization required by paragraph (1), to be valid, shall--
                    (A) state that one purpose of the disclosure is for 
                ``marketing'';
                    (B) state that the purpose of the use or disclosure 
                involved is marketing;
                    (C) describe the specific marketing uses and 
                disclosures authorized, including whether the personal 
                health information involved--
                            (i) may be used for purposes internal to 
                        the person;
                            (ii) may be disclosed to, and used by, a 
                        business associate of the person; and
                            (iii) may be disclosed to, and used by, any 
                        person or entity other than a business 
                        associate of the person; and
                    (D) state that the use or disclosure of personal 
                health information for marketing will directly result 
                in remuneration to the person from a third party, in 
                any case in which a person expects, or reasonably 
                should expect, that such remuneration will occur.
            (3) Marketing defined.--
                    (A) In general.--In this subsection, the term 
                ``marketing'' is a communication about a product or 
                service a purpose of which is to encourage recipients 
                of the communication to purchase or use the product or 
                service in return for direct or indirect compensation.
                    (B) Exclusions.--
                            (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), 
                        such term excludes the following exceptions:
                                    (I) Communications made by person 
                                for the purpose of describing the 
                                entities participating in a provider 
                                network or health plan network, and 
                                communications made by a person for the 
                                purpose of describing if and the extent 
                                to which a product or service, or 
                                payment for a product or service, is 
                                provided by the person or included in a 
                                benefit plan.
                                    (II) Communications tailored to the 
                                circumstances of a particular 
                                individual, made by a health care 
                                provider to an individual as part of 
                                the treatment of the individual, and 
                                for the purpose of furthering the 
                                treatment of that individual.
                                    (III) Communications tailored to 
                                the circumstances of a particular 
                                individual and made by a health care 
                                provider or health plan to an 
                                individual in the course of managing or 
                                coordinating the treatment of that 
                                individual or for the purpose of 
                                directing or recommending to that 
                                individual alternative treatments, 
                                therapies, providers, or settings of 
                                care.
                            (ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not 
                        apply, and a communication shall be considered 
                        marketing, if a person receives direct or 
                        indirect remuneration from a third party for 
                        making a written communication otherwise 
                        described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of 
                        such clause.
    (f) Requirement To Release Personal Health Information to Coroners 
and Medical Examiners.--
            (1) In general.--When a coroner or medical examiner or 
        their duly appointed deputies seek personal health information 
        for the purpose of inquiry into and determination of, the 
        cause, manner, and circumstances of an individual's death, the 
        health information person shall provide that individual's 
        personal health information to the coroner or medical examiner 
        or to the duly appointed deputies without undue delay or 
        consent by the deceased individual's representative.
            (2) Production of additional information.--If a coroner or 
        medical examiner or their duly appointed deputies receives 
        health information from a person referred to in paragraph (1), 
        such health information shall remain as personal health 
        information unless the health information is attached to or 
        otherwise made a part of a coroner's or medical examiner's 
        official report, in which case it shall no longer be protected.
            (3) Exemption.--Health information attached to or otherwise 
        made a part of a coroner's or medical examiner's official 
        report shall be exempt from the provisions of this title except 
        as provided for in this subsection.
            (4) Reimbursement.--A person referred to in paragraph (1) 
        may request reimbursement from a coroner or medical examiner 
        for the reasonable costs associated with inspection or copying 
        of personal health information maintained, retained, or stored 
        by such person.
    (g) Revocation or Amendment of Consent or Authorization.--An 
individual may revoke or amend in writing an informed consent or 
authorization under this section at any time.
    (h) Actions.--It shall not be a violation of this title with 
respect to the disclosure of personal health information--
            (1) if the disclosure was made based on a good faith 
        reliance on the individual's informed consent or authorization 
        under this section at the time disclosure was made;
            (2) in a case in which the consent or authorization is 
        revoked, if the disclosing person had no actual or constructive 
        notice of the revocation; or
            (3) if the disclosure was for the purpose of protecting 
        another individual from imminent physical harm and is 
        authorized under section 141.
    (i) Record of Consents, Authorizations, and Revocations.--Each 
person accessing, maintaining, retaining, modifying, recording, 
storing, destroying, or otherwise using personally identifiable or 
personal health information for purposes other than treatment or 
payment shall maintain a record for a period of 6 years of each 
informed consent and authorization by an individual and any revocation 
thereof, and such record shall become part of the individual's health 
record set.

                         CHAPTER 2--EXCEPTIONS

SEC. 131. DISCLOSURE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND 
              INTELLIGENCE PURPOSES.

    (a) Access to Personal Health Information for Law Enforcement, 
National Security, and Intelligence Activities.--A health information 
person, or a person who receives personal health information pursuant 
to section 131, may disclose personal health information to--
            (1) an investigative or law enforcement officer (as defined 
        in subsection (k)) pursuant to a warrant issued under the 
        Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, an equivalent State 
        warrant, a grand jury subpoena, civil subpoena, civil 
        investigative demand, or a court order under limitations set 
        forth in subsection (b); and
            (2) an authorized Federal official for the conduct of 
        lawful intelligence, counter-intelligence, and other national 
        security activities authorized by the National Security Act (50 
        U.S.C. 401 et seq.) and implementing authority (Executive Order 
        12333), or otherwise by law.
    (b) Limitation on Use and Disclosure for National Security, 
Intelligence, and Other Law Enforcement Inquiries.--
            (1) In general.--Personal health information about an 
        individual that is disclosed under this section may not be used 
        in, or disclosed to any entity for use in, any administrative, 
        civil, or criminal action or investigation directed against the 
        individual, unless the action or investigation arises out of, 
        or is directly related to, the law enforcement, national 
        security, or intelligence inquiry for which the information was 
        obtained.
            (2) Law enforcement inquiry defined.--In paragraph (1), the 
        term ``law enforcement inquiry'' means a lawful executive 
        branch investigation or official proceeding inquiring into a 
        violation of, or failure to comply with, any criminal or civil 
        statute or any regulation, rule, or order issued pursuant to 
        such a statute.
    (c) Redactions.--To the maximum extent practicable, and consistent 
with the requirements of due process, a law enforcement agency shall 
redact personally identifying information from personal health 
information prior to the public disclosure of such protected 
information in a judicial or administrative proceeding.
    (d) Exception.--This section shall not be construed to limit or 
restrict the ability of law enforcement authorities to gain information 
while in hot pursuit of a suspect or if other exigent circumstances 
exist.
    (e) Investigative or Law Enforcement Officer Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``investigative or law enforcement officer'' means 
any officer of the United States or of a State or political subdivision 
thereof, who is empowered by law to conduct investigations of, or to 
make arrests for, civil or criminal offenses, and any attorney 
authorized by law to prosecute or participate in the prosecution of 
such offenses.

SEC. 132. DISCLOSURE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PURPOSES.

    (a) In General.--A health information person may disclose personal 
health information to a public health authority (as defined in section 
171(24)) or other entity authorized by public health law, when receipt 
of such information by the authority or other entity--
            (1) relates directly to a specified public health purpose;
            (2) is reasonably likely to achieve such purpose; and
            (3) is intended for a purpose that cannot be achieved 
        through the receipt or use of de-identified health information.
    (b) Public Health Protection Defined.--For purposes of subsection 
(a), the term ``public health purpose'' means a population-based 
activity or individual effort, authorized by law, the purpose of which 
is the prevention of injury, disease, or premature mortality, or the 
promotion of health, in a community, including--
            (1) assessing the health needs and status of the community 
        through public health surveillance and epidemiological 
        research;
            (2) implementing public health policy;
            (3) responding to public health needs and emergencies; and
            (4) any other activities or efforts authorized by law.
    (c) Limitations.--The purpose of the disclosure described in 
subsection (a) shall be of significant importance such that it warrants 
the potential effect on, or risk to, the privacy of individuals that 
the additional exposure of personal health information might bring. Any 
infringement on the right to privacy under this section shall use the 
least intrusive means that are tailored to minimize intrusion on the 
right to privacy.

SEC. 133. REPORTING OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY 
              AGENCIES.

    Any health information person may disclose personal health 
information to a protection and advocacy agency established under part 
C of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6041 et seq.) or under the Protection and 
Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 10801 et 
seq.) when such person reasonably believes that an individual who is 
the subject of the personal health information is vulnerable to abuse 
and neglect by an entity providing health or social services to the 
individual.

SEC. 134. DISCLOSURE TO NEXT OF KIN AND DIRECTORY INFORMATION.

    (a) Next of Kin.--A health care provider, or a person that receives 
personal health information under section 141, may disclose personal 
health information about health care services provided to an individual 
to the individual's next of kin, or to another entity that the 
individual has identified, if at the time of the treatment of the 
individual--
            (1) the individual--
                    (A) has been notified of the individual's right to 
                object to such disclosure and the individual has not 
                objected to the disclosure; or
                    (B) is in a physical or mental condition such that 
                the individual is not capable of objecting, and there 
                are no prior indications that the individual would 
                object; and
            (2) the information disclosed is relevant to health care 
        services currently being provided to that individual.
    (b) Directory Information.--
            (1) Disclosure.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph 
                (2), with respect to an individual who is admitted as 
                an inpatient to a health care facility, a person 
                described in subsection (a) may disclose information 
                described in subparagraph (B) about the individual to 
                any entity if, at the time of the admission, the 
                individual--
                            (i) has been notified of the individual's 
                        right to object and has not objected to the 
                        disclosure; or
                            (ii) is in a physical or mental condition 
                        such that the individual is not capable of 
                        objecting and there are no prior indications 
                        that the individual would object.
                    (B) Information.--Information described in this 
                subparagraph is information that consists only of 1 or 
                more of the following items:
                            (i) The name of the individual who is the 
                        subject of the information.
                            (ii) The general health status of the 
                        individual, described as critical, poor, fair, 
                        stable, or satisfactory or in terms denoting 
                        similar conditions.
                            (iii) The location of the individual within 
                        the health care facility to which the 
                        individual is admitted.
            (2) Exception.--Paragraph (1)(B)(iii) shall not apply if 
        disclosure of the location of the individual would reveal 
        specific information about the physical or mental condition of 
        the individual, unless the individual expressly authorizes such 
        disclosure.
    (c) Directory or Next-of-Kin Information.--A disclosure may not be 
made under this section if the disclosing person described in 
subsection (a) has reason to believe that the disclosure of directory 
or next-of-kin information could lead to the physical or mental harm of 
the individual, unless the individual expressly authorizes such 
disclosure.

                    CHAPTER 3--SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

SEC. 141. EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES.

    (a) General Rule.--In the event of a threat of imminent physical or 
mental harm to the subject of personal health information, any person 
may, in order to allay or remedy such threat, disclose personal health 
information about such subject to a health care provider, health care 
facility, law enforcement authority, or emergency medical personnel, to 
the minimum extent necessary and only if determined appropriate by a 
health care provider.
    (b) Harm to Others.--Any person may disclose personal health 
information about the subject of the information where--
            (1) such subject has made an identifiable threat of serious 
        injury or death with respect to an identifiable individual or 
        group of individuals;
            (2) the subject has the ability to carry out such threat; 
        and
            (3) the release of such information is necessary to prevent 
        or significantly reduce the possibility of such threat being 
        carried out.

SEC. 142. HEALTH RESEARCH.

    (a) Regulations.--
            (1) In general.--The requirements and protections provided 
        for under part 46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (as 
        in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), shall apply to 
        all health research.
            (2) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall not take effect 
        until the Secretary has promulgated final regulations to 
        implement such paragraph.
    (b) Evaluation.--Not later than 24 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to 
Congress detailed recommendations on whether informed consent should be 
required, and if so, under what circumstances, before personal health 
information can be used for health research.
    (c) Recommendations.--The recommendations required to be submitted 
under subsection (b) shall include--
            (1) a detailed explanation of current institutional review 
        board practices, including the extent to which the privacy of 
        individuals is taken into account as a factor before allowing 
        waivers and under what circumstances informed consent is being 
        waived;
            (2) a list of all known breaches of health information 
        privacy over the past 5 years in research projects approved by 
        an institutional review board;
            (3) a summary of how technology that both facilitates 
        research and preserves privacy could be used to obtain informed 
        consent and strip identifying data for the purpose of research;
            (4) an analysis of State and Federal laws, medical ethics, 
        and ethics in the performance of health research that examines 
        requirements for the receipt of informed consent; and
            (5) an analysis of the risks and benefits of allowing 
        individuals to consent or to refuse to consent, at the time of 
        receiving medical treatment, to the possible future use of 
        records of medical treatments for research studies.
    (d) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary 
shall consult with individuals who have distinguished themselves in the 
fields of health research, privacy, related technology including 
electronic consent management tools, consumer interests in health 
information, health data standards, and the provision of health 
services.
    (e) Congressional Notice.--Not later than 6 months after the date 
on which the Secretary submits to Congress the recommendations required 
under subsection (b), the Secretary shall propose to implement such 
recommendations through regulations promulgated on the record after 
opportunity for a hearing, and shall advise the Congress of such 
proposal.
    (f) Other Requirements.--
            (1) Obligations of the recipient.--A person who receives 
        personal health information pursuant to this section shall 
        remove or destroy, at the earliest opportunity consistent with 
        the purposes of the project involved, information that would 
        enable an individual to be identified, unless--
                    (A) an institutional review board has determined 
                that there is a health or research justification for 
                the retention of such identifiers;
                    (B) an institutional review board has, to the 
                maximum extent practicable, attempted to contact the 
                individual to whom the identifiers relate;
                    (C) upon being contacted pursuant to subparagraph 
                (B), the individual does not object to the retention of 
                such identifiers; and
                    (D) there is an adequate plan to protect the 
                identifiers from disclosure consistent with this 
                section.
            (2) Periodic review and technical assistance.--
                    (A) Institutional review board.--Any institutional 
                review board that authorizes research under this 
                section shall provide the Secretary with the names and 
                addresses of the institutional review board members.
                    (B) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall 
                provide technical assistance to institutional review 
                boards described in this subsection.
                    (C) Monitoring.--The Secretary shall periodically 
                monitor institutional review boards described in this 
                subsection, including with respect to the privacy, 
                security, and confidentiality practices of such boards.
                    (D) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
                of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall report to 
                Congress regarding the activities of institutional 
                review boards described in this subsection.
    (g) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
permit personal health information that is received by a researcher 
under this section to be accessed for purposes other than research or 
as authorized by the individual that is the subject of such personal 
health information.

SEC. 143. HEALTH OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS.

    (a) In General.--A health information person may disclose personal 
health information to a health oversight agency (as defined in section 
171(16)) to enable the agency to perform a health oversight function 
authorized by law, if--
            (1) the purpose for which the disclosure is to be made 
        cannot reasonably be accomplished without personal health 
        information;
            (2) the purpose for which the disclosure is to be made is 
        of sufficient importance to warrant the effect on, or the risk 
        to, the privacy of the individuals that additional exposure of 
        the information might bring; and
            (3) there is a reasonable probability that the purpose of 
        the disclosure will be accomplished.
    (b) Use and Maintenance of Personal Health Information.--A health 
oversight agency that receives personal health information under 
subsection (a)--
            (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, obtain the 
        informed consent of the individual to whom the personal health 
        information relates before using or disclosing the information;
            (2) shall secure personal health information in all work 
        papers and all documents summarizing the health oversight 
        activity through technological, administrative, and physical 
        safeguards including cryptographic-key based encryption;
            (3) shall maintain in its records only such information 
        about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish 
        the purpose for which the personal health information was 
        obtained;
            (4) using appropriate encryption measures, shall maintain 
        such information securely and limit access to such information 
        to those persons with a legitimate need for access to carry out 
        the purpose for which the records were obtained; and
            (5) shall remove or destroy the information that allows 
        subjects of personal health information to be identified at the 
        earliest time at which removal or destruction can be 
        accomplished, consistent with the purpose of the health 
        oversight activity.
    (c) Authorization by a Supervisor.--For purposes of this section, 
the individual with authority to authorize the oversight function 
involved shall provide to the disclosing person described in subsection 
(a) a statement that the personal health information is being sought 
for a legally authorized oversight function.

SEC. 144. INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTATIVES.

    (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), a 
person who is authorized by law (based on grounds other than an 
individual's status as a minor), or by an instrument recognized under 
law, to act as an agent, attorney, proxy, or other legal representative 
of an individual, may, to the extent so authorized, exercise and 
discharge the rights of the individual under this title.
    (b) Health Care Power of Attorney.--A person who is authorized by 
law (based on grounds other than being a minor), or by an instrument 
recognized under law, to make decisions about the provision of health 
care to an individual who is incapacitated, may exercise and discharge 
the rights of the individual under this title to the extent necessary 
to effectuate the terms or purposes of the grant of authority.
    (c) Individuals Suffering From Certain Medical Conditions.--If a 
physician or other health care provider determines that an individual, 
who has not been declared to be legally incompetent, suffers from a 
medical condition that prevents the individual from acting knowingly or 
effectively on the individual's own behalf, the right of the individual 
to access or amend the health information and to authorize disclosure 
under this title may be exercised and discharged in the best interest 
of the individual by--
            (1) a person described in subsection (b) with respect to 
        the individual;
            (2) a person described in subsection (a) with respect to 
        the individual, but only if a person described in paragraph (1) 
        cannot be contacted after a reasonable effort or if there is no 
        individual who fits the description in paragraph (1);
            (3) the next of kin of the individual, but only if a person 
        described in paragraph (1) or (2) cannot be contacted after a 
        reasonable effort; or
            (4) the health care provider, but only if a person 
        described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) cannot be contacted 
        after a reasonable effort.
    (d) Rights of Minors.--
            (1) Individuals who are 18 or legally capable.--In the case 
        of an individual--
                    (A) who is 18 years of age or older, all rights of 
                the individual under this title shall be exercised by 
                the individual; or
                    (B) who, acting alone, can consent to health care 
                without violating any applicable law, and who has 
                sought such care, the individual shall exercise all 
                rights of an individual under this title with respect 
                to personal health information relating to such health 
                care.
            (2) Individuals under 18.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (1)(B), in the case of an individual who is--
                    (A) under 14 years of age, all of the individual's 
                rights under this title shall be exercised through the 
                parent or legal guardian; or
                    (B) 14 through 17 years of age, the rights of 
                inspection, supplementation, and modification, and the 
                right to authorize use and disclosure of personal 
                health information of the individual shall be exercised 
                by--
                            (i) the individual where no parent or legal 
                        guardian exists;
                            (ii) the parent or legal guardian of the 
                        individual; or
                            (iii) the individual if the parent or legal 
                        guardian determined that the individual has the 
                        sole right the control their health 
                        information.
    (e) Deceased Individuals.--
            (1) Application of act.--The provisions of this title shall 
        continue to apply to personal health information concerning a 
        deceased individual.
            (2) Exercise of rights on behalf of a deceased 
        individual.--A person who is authorized by law or by an 
        instrument recognized under law, to act as an executor or 
        administrator of the estate of a deceased individual, or 
        otherwise to exercise the rights of the deceased individual, 
        may, to the extent so authorized, exercise and discharge the 
        rights of such deceased individual under this title. If no such 
        designee has been authorized, the rights of the deceased 
        individual may be exercised as provided for in subsection (c).
            (3) Identification of deceased individual.--A person 
        described in section 136(a) may disclose personal health 
        information if such disclosure is necessary to assist in the 
        identification of a deceased individual.

                        Subtitle D--Enforcement

SEC. 151. IN GENERAL.

    (a) Civil Penalty.--A health information person who the Secretary, 
in consultation with the Attorney General, determines has substantially 
and materially failed to comply with this title shall be subject, in 
addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed by law--
            (1) in a case in which the violation relates to subtitle A, 
        B, or C, to a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each such 
        violation, but not to exceed $5,000 in the aggregate for 
        multiple violations;
            (2) in a case in which the violation relates to subtitle A, 
        B, or C, to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each 
        such violation, but not to exceed $50,000 in the aggregate for 
        multiple violations; or
            (3) in a case in which such violations have occurred with 
        such frequency as to constitute a general business practice, to 
        a civil penalty of not more than $100,000.
    (b) Civil Action by Individuals.--
            (1) In general.--Any individual whose rights under subtitle 
        A, B, or C have been knowingly or negligently violated may 
        bring a civil action to recover--
                    (A) such preliminary and equitable relief as the 
                court determines to be appropriate; and
                    (B) the greater of compensatory damages or 
                liquidated damages of $5,000.
            (2) Additional remedies.--The equitable relief or damages 
        that may be available under this section shall be in addition 
        to any other lawful remedy or award that may be available.

SEC. 152. ENFORCEMENT BY STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL.

    (a) Civil Actions.--In any case in which the attorney general of a 
State or any State or local law enforcement agency authorized by the 
State attorney general or by State law to prosecute violations of 
consumer protection laws, has reason to believe that an interest of the 
residents of that State has been or is threatened or adversely affected 
by the engagement of a person in a practice that is prohibited under 
subtitle A, B, or C, the State or local law enforcement agency on 
behalf of the residents of the agency's jurisdiction, may bring a civil 
action on behalf of the residents of the State or jurisdiction in a 
district court of the United States of appropriate jurisdiction to--
            (1) enjoin that act or practice;
            (2) enforce compliance with the respective subtitle; or
            (3) obtain civil penalties in an amount calculated by 
        multiplying the number of violations by an amount not greater 
        than $11,000.
For purposes of civil penalties under this subsection, each day that a 
person is in violation of the requirements of subtitle A, B, or C shall 
be treated as a separate violation, up to a maximum civil penalty of 
$5,000,000.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--For purposes of bringing any civil 
action under subsection (a), nothing in this subtitle regarding 
notification shall be construed to prevent an attorney general of a 
State from exercising the powers conferred on such attorney general by 
the laws of that State to--
            (1) conduct investigations;
            (2) administer oaths or affirmations; or
            (3) compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of 
        documentary and other evidence.
    (c) Venue; Service of Process.--
            (1) Venue.--Any action brought under subsection (a) may be 
        brought in the district court of the United States that meets 
        applicable requirements relating to venue under section 1391 of 
        title 28, United States Code.
            (2) Service of process.--In an action brought under 
        subsection (a), process may be served in any district in which 
        the defendant--
                    (A) is an inhabitant; or
                    (B) may be found.

                       Subtitle E--Miscellaneous

SEC. 161. OFFICE OF HEALTH INFORMATION PRIVACY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall designate an office within the 
Department of Health and Human Services to be known as the Office of 
Health Information Privacy (referred to in this section as the 
``Office''). The Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall be 
appointed by the Secretary.
    (b) Duties.--The Director of the Office shall--
            (1) receive and investigate complaints of alleged 
        violations of this title;
            (2) provide for the conduct of audits where appropriate;
            (3) provide guidance to the Secretary on the implementation 
        of this Act;
            (4) provide guidance to health care providers and other 
        relevant individuals concerning the manner in which to 
        interpret and implement the privacy protections under this 
        title (and the regulations promulgated under this title);
            (5) prepare and submit the report described in subsection 
        (c);
            (6) consult with, and provide recommendation to, the 
        Secretary concerning improvements in the privacy and security 
        of personal health information and concerning medical privacy 
        research needs; and
            (7) carry out any other activities determined appropriate 
        by the Secretary.
    (c) Standards for Certification.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 12 months after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with 
        the Director of the Office and the Director of the Office of 
        Civil Rights, shall establish and implement standards for 
        health information technology products, including qualified 
        health information technology systems (as defined in section 
        213), used to access, disclose, maintain, store, distribute, 
        transmit, amend, or dispose of personal health information in a 
        manner that protects the individual's right to privacy, 
        confidentiality, and security relating to that information.
            (2) Stakeholder participation.--In establishing the 
        standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure the 
        participation of various stakeholders, including patients and 
        consumer advocates, privacy advocates, experts in information 
        technology and information systems, and experts in health care. 
        The Secretary shall ensure that these advocates and experts are 
        equally represented, such that the stakeholder process does not 
        result in the experts in information technology, information 
        systems, and health care being disproportionately represented 
        compared to advocates for the interests of consumers and 
        privacy proponents.
    (d) Report on Compliance.--Not later than January 1 of the first 
calendar year beginning more than 1 year after the establishment of the 
Office under subsection (a), and every January 1 thereafter, the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office, shall 
prepare and submit to Congress a report concerning the number of 
complaints of alleged violations of subtitle A that are received during 
the year for which the report is being prepared. Such report shall 
describe the complaints and any remedial action taken concerning such 
complaints and shall be made available to the public on the Internet 
website of the Department of Health and Human Services.

SEC. 162. PROTECTION FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS.

    (a) Prohibition Against Discrimination.--A health information 
person may not--
            (1) discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, retaliate 
        against, or in any other manner discriminate or cause any 
        employer to discriminate against an employee in the terms and 
        conditions of employment because of--
                    (A) the refusal of the employee to engage in a 
                violation of this title; or
                    (B) any lawful act the employee has committed or is 
                about to commit, or which the health information person 
                perceives the employee to have committed, to provide 
                information or cause information to be provided, 
                including in the course of the employee's routine job 
                duties, to the individual's employer or to a State or 
                Federal official relating to an actual or suspected 
                violation of this title by any person, including an 
                employer or an employee of an employer; or
            (2) adversely affect another person, directly or 
        indirectly, because such person has exercised a right under 
        this title, disclosed information relating to a possible 
        violation of subtitle A, B, or C or this section, or associated 
        with, or assisted, an individual in the exercise of a right 
        under this title.
    (b) Enforcement Actions.--
            (1) In general.--
                    (A) Complaint with secretary of labor.--Any 
                employee or former employee who alleges a violation of 
                subsection (a) may seek relief under subsection (c), by 
                filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor.
                    (B) Appellate review in case of final order.--
                Unless an employee brings an action in district court 
                under subparagraph (C), any person adversely affected 
                or aggrieved by a final order of the Secretary of Labor 
                with respect to a complaint filed under subparagraph 
                (A) may obtain review of the order in the United States 
                court of appeals for the circuit in which the 
                violation, with respect to which the order was issued, 
                allegedly occurred or the circuit in which the 
                complainant resided on the date of such violation. The 
                petition for review must be filed not later than 60 
                days after the date of the issuance of the final order. 
                The review shall conform to chapter 7 of title 5, 
                United States Code. The commencement of proceedings 
                under this subparagraph shall not, unless ordered by 
                the court, operate as a stay of the order.
                    (C) De novo review.--If the Secretary of Labor has 
                not issued a final decision within 180 days after the 
                filing of the complaint, or within 90 days after 
                receiving any written determination, the complainant 
                may bring an action at law or equity for de novo review 
                in the appropriate district court of the United States 
                with jurisdiction, which shall have jurisdiction over 
                such an action without regard to the amount in 
                controversy, and which action shall, at the request of 
                either party to such action, be tried by the court with 
                a jury.
            (2) Procedures.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in this 
                paragraph, the complaint procedures contained in 
                section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code, shall 
                apply with respect to a complaint filed under paragraph 
                (1)(A).
                    (B) Exception.--With respect to a complaint filed 
                under paragraph (1)(A), the notification provided for 
                under section 42121(b)(1) of title 49, United States 
                Code, (as required under subparagraph (A)) shall be 
                made to the person named in the complaint and to the 
                employer.
                    (C) Burden of proof.--The legal burdens of proof 
                contained in section 42121(b) of title 49, United 
                States Code, shall apply to any action brought under 
                this subsection.
                    (D) Statute of limitations.--A complaint shall be 
                filed under paragraph (1)(A) not later than 2 years 
                after the date on which the alleged violation occurs.
                    (E) Civil actions to enforce.--If a person fails to 
                comply with an order issued by the Secretary of Labor 
                pursuant to the procedures in section 42121(b) of title 
                49, United States Code, the Secretary shall have the 
                authority described in section 42121(b)(5) of title 49, 
                United States Code, to bring a civil action to enforce 
                the order in the district court of the United States 
                for the judicial district in which the violation 
                occurred.
    (c) Remedies.--
            (1) In general.--If the Secretary of Labor or the district 
        court determines that a violation of subsection (a) has 
        occurred, the Secretary or court shall order any relief 
        necessary to make the employee whole.
            (2) Compensatory damages.--Relief in any action under such 
        subsection shall include--
                    (A) reinstatement of the employee to the employee's 
                former position with the same seniority status that the 
                employee would have had but for the discrimination;
                    (B) payment of the amount of back pay, with 
                interest, to which the employee is entitled; and
                    (C) the payment of compensation for any special 
                damages sustained by the employee as a result of the 
                discrimination, including litigation costs, expert 
                witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees.
            (3) Punitive damages.--Relief in any action under such 
        subsection may include punitive damages in an amount not to 
        exceed $250,000.
    (d) Rights Retained by the Employee.--Nothing in this section shall 
be construed to diminish or eliminate the rights, privileges, or 
remedies available to an employee under any Federal or State law, or 
under any collective bargaining agreement.
    (e) Limitation.--The protections of this section shall not apply to 
any employee who--
            (1) deliberately causes or participates in the alleged 
        violation; or
            (2) knowingly or recklessly provides materially false 
        information to an individual or entity described in subsection 
        (a).
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Employ.--The term ``employ'' has the meaning given such 
        term under section 3(g) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 
        (29 U.S.C. 203(g)) for the purposes of implementing the 
        requirements of that Act (29 U.S.C. 201, et seq.).
            (2) Employee.--The term ``employee'' means an individual 
        who is employed by an employer.
            (3) Employer.--The term ``employer'' means any person who 
        employs employees, including any person acting directly or 
        indirectly in the interest of any employer in relation to an 
        employee and includes a public agency.

SEC. 163. DEMONSTRATION GRANT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH 
              LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OR LIMITED HEALTH LITERACY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall award contracts or competitive 
grants to eligible entities to support demonstration projects that are 
designed to improve the communication of information pertaining to 
health privacy rights with individuals with limited English language 
proficiency and limited health literacy.
    (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section, to promote the 
cultural competency of persons that access, maintain, retain, modify, 
record, store, destroy, or otherwise use or disclose personal health 
information, and to enable such persons to better communicate privacy 
procedures to non-English speakers, those with limited English 
proficiency, and those with limited health literacy.
    (c) Eligible Entities.--In this section, the term ``eligible 
entity'' means an organization or community-based consortium that 
includes--
            (1) individuals who are representatives of organizations 
        serving or advocating for ethnic and racial minorities, low 
        income immigrant populations, and others with limited English 
        language proficiency and limited health literacy;
            (2) health care providers that provide care for ethnic and 
        racial minorities, low income immigrant populations, and others 
        with limited English language proficiency and limited health 
        literacy;
            (3) community leaders and leaders of community-based 
        organizations; and
            (4) experts and researchers in the areas of social and 
        behavioral sciences, who have knowledge, training, or practical 
        experience in health policy, advocacy, cultural and linguistic 
        competency, or other relevant areas as determined by the 
        Secretary.
    (d) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a contract or grant 
under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
may require.
    (e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity shall use amounts received 
under this section to carry out programs and studies designed to help 
identify best practices in the communication of privacy rights and 
procedures to ensure comprehension by individuals with limited English 
proficiency and limited health literacy.

SEC. 164. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.

    (a) Federal and State Laws.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed 
as preempting, superseding, or repealing, explicitly or implicitly, 
other Federal or State laws or regulations relating to personal health 
information or relating to an individual's access to personal health 
information or health care services, if such laws or regulations 
provide protections for the rights of individuals to the privacy of, 
and access to, their health information that is greater than those 
provided for in this Act.
    (b) Privileges.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt 
or modify any provisions of State statutory or common law to the extent 
that such law concerns a privilege of a witness or person in a court of 
that State. This Act shall not be construed to supersede or modify any 
provision of Federal statutory or common law to the extent such law 
concerns a privilege of a witness or entity prior to a court proceeding 
or in a court of the United States. Informed consent shall not be 
construed as a waiver of any such privilege.
    (c) Certain Duties Under Law.--Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed to preempt, supersede, or modify the operation of any State 
law that--
            (1) provides for the reporting of vital statistics such as 
        birth or death information;
            (2) requires the reporting of abuse or neglect information 
        about any individual;
            (3) regulates the disclosure or reporting of information 
        concerning an individual's mental health; or
            (4) governs a minor's rights to access personal health 
        information or health care services.
    (d) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.--The 
standards governing the privacy and security of individually 
identifiable health information promulgated by the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services under sections 262(a) and 264 of the Health 
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 shall remain in 
effect to the extent that they are consistent with this title. The 
Secretary shall by rule amend such Federal regulations as required to 
make such regulations consistent with this title.

SEC. 165. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    (a) Effective Date.--Unless specifically provided for otherwise, 
this title shall take effect on the date that is 12 months after the 
date of the promulgation of the regulations required under subsection 
(b), or 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, whichever is 
earlier.
    (b) Regulations.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, or as specifically provided for otherwise, the 
Secretary shall promulgate regulations implementing this title.

                    Subtitle F--General Definitions

SEC. 171. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Agent.--The term ``agent'' means a person that 
        represents or acts for another person (a principal) under a 
        contract or relationship of agency, or that functions to bring 
        about, modify, affect, accept performance of, or terminate, 
        contractual obligations between the principal and a third 
        person. With respect to an employer, such term includes the 
        employees of the employer.
            (2) Authorization.--The term ``authorization'' means the 
        authority granted by an individual that is the subject of 
        personal health information, in accordance with this title, for 
        the disclosure or use of the individual's personal health 
        information.
            (3) Breach.--The term ``breach'' means the unauthorized 
        acquisition, disclosure, or loss of personal health information 
        which compromises the security, privacy, or integrity of 
        personal health information maintained by or on behalf of a 
        person.
            (4) Confidentiality.--The term ``confidentiality'' means 
        the obligations of those who receive information to respect the 
        privacy interests of those to whom the data relate.
            (5) De-identified health information.--The term ``de-
        identified health information'' means any personal health 
        information, with respect to which--
                    (A) all personal identifiers, or other information 
                that may be used by itself or in combination with other 
                information which may be available to re-identify (as 
                defined in section 171(25)) the subject of the 
                information (such as geographic, credit, and financial 
                information and all of the identifiers enumerated at 
                section 164.514(b)(2) of title 45 of the Code of 
                Federal Regulations (as in effect on January 1, 2008)) 
                have been removed;
                    (B) a good faith effort has been made to evaluate, 
                minimize, and mitigate the risks of re-identification 
                of the subject of such information, using commonly 
                accepted scientific and statistical standards and 
                methods for minimizing risk of disclosure; and
                    (C) there is no reasonable basis to believe that 
                the information can be used to identify an individual.
            (6) Disclose.--The term ``disclose'' means to release, 
        publish, share, transfer, transmit, disseminate, show, permit 
        access to, communicate (orally or otherwise), re-identify, or 
        otherwise divulge personal health information to any person 
        other than the individual who is the subject of such 
        information. Such term includes the initial disclosure and any 
        subsequent re-disclosure of personal health information.
            (7) Decryption key.--The term ``decryption key'' means the 
        variable information used in or produced by a mathematical 
        formula, code, or algorithm, or any component thereof, used for 
        encryption (as defined in paragraph (10)) or decryption of 
        wire, electronic, or other communications or stored 
        information.
            (8) Director of the office of health information privacy.--
        The term ``Director of the Office of Health Information 
        Privacy'' means such Director as appointed under section 161.
            (9) Employer.--Except as otherwise provided in section 164, 
        the term ``employer'' means a person that is engaged in 
        business affecting commerce and that has employees.
            (10) Encryption.--The term ``encryption''--
                    (A) means the protection of data in electronic 
                form, in storage or in transit, using an encryption 
                technology that has been adopted by an established 
                standards setting body which renders such data 
                indecipherable in the absence of associated 
                cryptographic keys necessary to enable decryption of 
                such data; and
                    (B) includes appropriate management and safeguards 
                of such cryptographic keys so as to protect the 
                integrity of the encryption.
            (11) Health care.--The term ``health care'' means--
                    (A) preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, 
                rehabilitative, maintenance, or palliative care, 
                including appropriate assistance with disease or 
                symptom management and maintenance, counseling, 
                service, or procedure--
                            (i) with respect to the physical or mental 
                        condition of an individual; or
                            (ii) affecting the structure or function of 
                        the human body or any part of the human body, 
                        including the banking of blood, sperm, organs, 
                        or any other tissue; or
                    (B) any sale or dispensing of a drug, device, 
                equipment, or other health care-related item to an 
                individual, or for the use of an individual, pursuant 
                to a prescription.
            (12) Health care provider.--The term ``health care 
        provider'' means a person that, with respect to a specific item 
        of personal health information, receives, accesses, maintains, 
        retains, modifies, records, stores, destroys, or otherwise uses 
        or discloses the information while acting in whole or in part 
        in the capacity of--
                    (A) an entity that is, or holds itself out to be, 
                licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise 
                authorized by Federal or State law to provide an item 
                or service that constitutes health care in the ordinary 
                course of business, or practice of a profession;
                    (B) a contractor or other health care provider or 
                facility authorized to provide items or services 
                related to diagnosis or treatment of a health concern, 
                including a hospital, nursing facility, allied health 
                professional, and a facility used or maintained by 
                allied health professionals;
                    (C) a Federal or State program that directly 
                provides items or services that constitute health care 
                to beneficiaries;
                    (D) an officer or employee or agent of a person 
                described in subparagraph (A) or (C) who is engaged in 
                the provision of health care or who uses personal 
                health information; or
                    (E) medical personnel in an emergency situation, 
                including while communicating personal health 
                information by radio transmission or other means.
            (13) Health information person.--The term ``health 
        information person'' means, in relation to personal health 
        information, a person, including a health care provider, health 
        researcher, health plan, health insurer, health care 
        clearinghouse, health oversight agency, or public health 
        authority, or such person's agent, officer, employee, or 
        affiliate, that accesses, maintains, retains, modifies, 
        records, stores, or otherwise holds, uses, or discloses such 
        information.
            (14) Health plan.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``health plan'' means--
                            (i) a group health plan (as defined in 
                        section 2791(a)(1) of the Public Health Service 
                        Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-91(a)(1)));
                            (ii) health insurance coverage (as such 
                        term is defined in section 2791(b)(1) of the 
                        Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-
                        91(b)(1)); or
                            (iii) a safety net health plan (as defined 
                        in subparagraph (B)).
                    (B) Safety net health plan.--For purposes of 
                subparagraph (A)(iii), the term ``safety net health 
                plan'' means a managed care organization, as defined in 
                section 1932(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act--
                            (i) that is exempt from or not subject to 
                        Federal income tax, or that is owned by an 
                        entity or entities exempt from or not subject 
                        to Federal income tax; and
                            (ii) for which not less than 75 percent of 
                        the enrolled population receives benefits under 
                        a Federal health care program (as defined in 
                        section 1128B(f)(1) of the Social Security Act) 
                        or a health care plan or program which is 
                        funded, in whole or in part, by a State (other 
                        than a program for government employees).
            (15) Health or life insurer.--The term ``health or life 
        insurer'' means a health insurance issuer (as defined in 
        section 9805(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) or a 
        life insurance company (as defined in section 816 of such Code) 
        and includes the employees and agents of such a person.
            (16) Health oversight agency.--The term ``health oversight 
        agency''--
                    (A) means a person that--
                            (i) performs or oversees the performance of 
                        an assessment, investigation, or prosecution 
                        relating to compliance with legal or fiscal 
                        standards relating to health care fraud or 
                        fraudulent claims regarding health care, health 
                        services or equipment, related activities and 
                        items, or the effectiveness of health privacy 
                        and security measures; and
                            (ii) is a public executive branch agency, 
                        acting on behalf of a public executive branch 
                        agency, acting pursuant to a requirement of a 
                        public executive branch agency, or carrying out 
                        activities under a Federal or State law 
                        governing an assessment, evaluation, 
                        determination, investigation, or prosecution 
                        described in clause (i); and
                    (B) includes the employees and agents of such a 
                person.
            (17) Health record set.--The term ``health record set'' 
        means any item, collection, or grouping of information that 
        includes personal health information, such as a medical record, 
        electronic health record, electronic medical record, personal 
        health record, or account of disclosure, use or access, that is 
        created, accessed, received, maintained, retained, modified, 
        recorded, stored, destroyed, or otherwise used or disclosed by 
        a health care provider, employer, insurer, health plan, health 
        researcher, data partner, or other person that relates to the 
        health or illness of the body, mind, or genome of an 
        individual.
            (18) Health researcher.--The term ``health researcher'' 
        means a person that is engaged in activities conducted for the 
        purpose of advancing public knowledge and, with respect to a 
        specific item of personal health information, receives the 
        information--
                    (A) pursuant to section 142 (relating to health 
                research); or
                    (B) while acting in whole or in part in the 
                capacity of an officer, employee, or agent of a person 
                that receives the information pursuant to such section.
            (19) Informed consent.--
                    (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                term ``informed consent'' means the written 
                authorization for use or disclosure of personal health 
                information by the individual who is the subject of 
                such information, conditioned upon--
                            (i) that individual's having been informed 
                        of the nature and probability of harm to the 
                        individual resulting from such authorization; 
                        and
                            (ii) the authorization meeting the 
                        requirements of section 122(b).
                    (B) Through inference.--Informed consent may be 
                inferred, in the absence of a contrary indication by 
                the individual--
                            (i) to the extent necessary to provide 
                        treatment and obtain payment for health care in 
                        emergency situations;
                            (ii) to the extent necessary to provide 
                        treatment and payment where a health care 
                        provider is required by law to treat the 
                        individual;
                            (iii) if the health care provider is unable 
                        to obtain informed consent due to substantial 
                        barriers to communicating with the individual 
                        and the provider reasonably infers from the 
                        circumstances, based upon the exercise of 
                        professional judgment, that the individual does 
                        not object to the disclosure or the disclosure 
                        is in the best interest of the individual; and
                            (iv) to the extent the information is 
                        necessary to carry out or otherwise implement a 
                        medical or mental health practitioner's order 
                        or prescription for health services, medical 
                        devices or supplies, or pharmaceuticals.
                    (C) Multiple uses and disclosures.--Informed 
                consent may authorize multiple uses or disclosures.
            (20) Office of health information privacy.--The term 
        ``Office of Health Information Privacy'' means the Office of 
        Health Information Privacy designated under section 161.
            (21) Person.--The term ``person'' means an entity that is a 
        government, governmental subdivision of an executive branch 
        agency or authority, corporation, company, association, firm, 
        partnership, society, estate, trust, joint venture, individual, 
        individual representative, tribal government, or any other 
        legal entity. Such term also includes the employees, 
        contractors, agents, and affiliates of all legal entities 
        described in the preceding sentence, whether or not they are 
        acting in the capacity of their employment, contract, agency, 
        or affiliation.
            (22) Privacy.--The term ``privacy'' means an individual's 
        right to control the acquisition, uses, or disclosures of his 
        or her identifiable health data.
            (23) Personal health information.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``personal health 
                information'' means any information, including genetic 
                information, biometric information, demographic 
                information, and tissue samples collected from an 
                individual, whether oral or recorded in any form or 
                medium, that--
                            (i) is created or received by a health care 
                        provider, health researcher, health plan, 
                        health or life insurer, medical or health 
                        savings plan administrator, health care 
                        clearinghouse, health oversight agency, public 
                        health authority, employer, data partner, or 
                        other person or such person's agent, officer, 
                        or employee; and
                            (ii)(I) relates to the past, present, or 
                        future physical or mental health or condition 
                        of an individual (including individual cells 
                        and their components), the provision of health 
                        care to an individual, or the past, present, or 
                        future payment for the provision of health care 
                        to an individual; and
                            (II)(aa) identifies an individual; or
                            (bb) with respect to which there is a 
                        reasonable basis to believe that the 
                        information can be used to identify an 
                        individual.
                    (B) Inclusion of decryption key.--The term 
                ``personal health information'' includes any decryption 
                key used for the encryption or decryption of 
                information described in subparagraph (A).
            (24) Public health authority.--The term ``public health 
        authority'' means an authority or instrumentality of the United 
        States, a tribal government, a State, or a political 
        subdivision of a State that is--
                    (A) primarily responsible for public health 
                matters; and
                    (B) primarily engaged in activities such as injury 
                reporting, public health surveillance, and public 
                health investigation or intervention.
            (25) Re-identify.--The term ``re-identify'', when used with 
        respect to de-identified health information, means an attempt, 
        successful or otherwise, to ascertain--
                    (A) the identity of the individual who is the 
                subject of such information; or
                    (B) the decryption key with respect to the 
                information (when undertaken with knowledge that such 
                key would allow for the identification of the 
                individual who is the subject of such information).
            (26) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Health and Human Services.
            (27) Security.--The term ``security'' means physical, 
        technological, or administrative safeguards or tools used to 
        protect identifiable health data from unwarranted access or 
        disclosure.
            (28) Security breach.--The term ``security breach'' means 
        the physical, structural, or substantive compromise of the 
        security of personal health information, through unauthorized 
        disclosure, use, or access, whether actual or attempted, 
        resulting in the acquisition, access, or use of such 
        information by an unauthorized person. Such term does not apply 
        to good faith or accidental acquisition, or disclosure of 
        personal health information by an unauthorized person, so long 
        as no further use or disclosure is made by such person.
            (29) Segregate.--The term ``segregate'' means to hide, 
        mask, or mark separate a designated subset of an individual's 
        personal health information, or to place such a subset in a 
        location that is securely separated from the location used to 
        store other personal health information, such that access to or 
        use of any information so segregated may be effectively limited 
        to those persons that are authorized by the individual to 
        access or use that segregated information.
            (30) Signed.--The term ``signed'' refers both to signatures 
        in ink and to electronic signatures that are authenticated by 
        the individual using an authentication method approved by the 
        Secretary.
            (31) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
        States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
        Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana 
        Islands.
            (32) To the maximum extent practicable.--The term ``to the 
        maximum extent practicable'' means the level of compliance that 
        a reasonable person would deem technologically feasible so long 
        as such feasibility is periodically evaluated in light of 
        scientific advances.
            (33) Use.--The term ``use'' means to create, record, 
        collect, access, obtain, store, maintain, amend, correct, 
        restore, modify, supplement, identify, re-identify, employ, 
        apply, utilize, examine, analyze, detect, remove, destroy, 
        dispose of, account for, or monitor the flow of personal health 
        information.
            (34) Writing; written.--The terms ``writing'' and 
        ``written'' mean writing or written, respectively, in either a 
        paper-based or computer-based form, including electronic and 
        digital signatures.

          TITLE II--PROMOTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

   Subtitle A--Improving the Interoperability of Health Information 
                               Technology

SEC. 201. OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF HEALTH INFORMATION 
              TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established within the office of the 
Secretary, the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information 
Technology. The National Coordinator shall be appointed by the 
Secretary in consultation with the President, and shall report directly 
to the Secretary.
    (b) Purpose.--The Office of the National Coordinator shall be 
responsible for--
            (1) ensuring that key health information technology 
        initiatives are coordinated across programs of the Department 
        of Health and Human Services;
            (2) ensuring that health information technology policies 
        and programs of the Department of Health and Human Services are 
        coordinated with such policies and programs of other relevant 
        Federal agencies (including Federal commissions and advisory 
        committees) with a goal of avoiding duplication of efforts and 
        of helping to ensure that each agency undertakes activities 
        primarily within the areas of its greatest expertise and 
        technical capability;
            (3) reviewing Federal health information technology 
        investments to ensure that Federal health information 
        technology programs are meeting the objectives of the strategic 
        plan published by the Office of the National Coordinator of 
        Health Information Technology to establish a nationwide 
        interoperable health information technology infrastructure;
            (4) providing comments and advice regarding specific 
        Federal health information technology programs, at the request 
        of Office of Management and Budget;
            (5) enhancing the use of health information technology to 
        improve the quality of health care in the prevention and 
        management of chronic disease and to address population health; 
        and
            (6) consulting with the Office of Health Information 
        Privacy to ensure that key health information technology 
        initiatives of the Department of Health and Human Services and 
        other Federal agencies are consistent with the privacy, 
        confidentiality, and security requirements in title I.
    (c) Role With American Health Information Community and the 
Partnership for Health Care Improvement.--The Office of the National 
Coordinator shall--
            (1) serve as an ex officio member of the American Health 
        Information Community established under section 203, and act as 
        a liaison between the Federal Government and the Community;
            (2) serve as an ex officio member of the Partnership and 
        act as a liaison between the Federal Government and the 
        Partnership for Health Care Improvement (established under 
        section 202); and
            (3) serve as a liaison between the Partnership and the 
        Community.
    (d) Reports and Website.--The Office of the National Coordinator 
shall--
            (1) develop and publish a strategic plan for implementing a 
        nationwide interoperable health information technology 
        infrastructure;
            (2) maintain and frequently update an Internet website 
        that--
                    (A) publishes the schedule for the assessment of 
                standards for significant use cases;
                    (B) publishes the recommendations of the American 
                Health Information Community;
                    (C) publishes the recommendations of the 
                Partnership for Health Care Improvement;
                    (D) publishes quality measures;
                    (E) identifies sources of funds that will be made 
                available to facilitate the purchase of, or enhance the 
                utilization of, health information technology systems, 
                either through grants or technical assistance; and
                    (F) publishes a plan for a transition of any 
                functions of the Office of the National Coordinator 
                that should be continued after September 30, 2014;
            (3) prepare a report on the lessons learned from major 
        public and private health care systems that have implemented 
        health information technology systems, including an explanation 
        of whether the systems and practices developed by such systems 
        may be applicable to and usable in whole or in part by other 
        health care providers; and
            (4) assess the impact of health information technology in 
        communities with health disparities and identify practices to 
        increase the adoption of such technology by health care 
        providers in such communities.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as requiring the duplication of Federal efforts with respect 
to the establishment of the Office of the National Coordinator of 
Health Information Technology, regardless of whether such efforts are 
carried out before or after the date of the enactment of this title.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2009 and 2010.
    (g) Sunset.--The provisions of this section shall not apply after 
September 30, 2014.

SEC. 202. PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT.

    (a) Establishment.--
            (1) In general.--There is established a public-private 
        Partnership for Health Care Improvement (in this title referred 
        to as the ``Partnership'') to--
                    (A) provide advice to the Secretary and the Nation 
                and recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide 
                interoperable health information technology 
                infrastructure;
                    (B) make recommendations concerning standards, 
                including privacy, security, and confidentiality 
                standards, implementation specifications, and 
                certification criteria for the electronic exchange of 
                personal health information (including for the 
                reporting of quality data under section 221) for 
                adoption by the Federal Government and voluntary 
                adoption by private entities that are consistent with 
                the requirements of title I;
                    (C) serve as a forum for the participation of a 
                broad range of stakeholders with specific technical 
                expertise in the development of standards, 
                implementation specifications, and certification 
                criteria and protection of privacy and data security to 
                provide input on the effective implementation of health 
                information technology systems; and
                    (D) develop and maintain an Internet website that--
                            (i) publishes established governance rules 
                        (including a subsequent appointment process);
                            (ii) publishes a business plan;
                            (iii) publishes meeting notices at least 14 
                        days prior to each meeting;
                            (iv) publishes meeting agendas at least 7 
                        days prior to each meeting; and
                            (v) publishes meeting materials at least 3 
                        days prior to each meeting.
            (2) Limitation.--The Partnership shall not meet or take any 
        action until an advisory committee charter has been filed with 
        the Secretary and with the appropriate committees of the Senate 
        and House of Representatives for the American Health 
        Information Community described in section 203.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) Members.--The members of the Partnership shall consist 
        of the following:
                    (A) Appointed members.--The appointed members of 
                the Partnership shall be appointed as follows:
                            (i) 2 members shall be appointed by the 
                        Secretary.
                            (ii) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        majority leader of the Senate.
                            (iii) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        minority leader of the Senate.
                            (iv) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        Speaker of the House of Representatives.
                            (v) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        minority leader of the House of 
                        Representatives.
                            (vi) Seven members shall be appointed by 
                        the Comptroller General of whom--
                                    (I) one member shall be a 
                                representative of consumer or patient 
                                organizations;
                                    (II) one member shall be a 
                                representative of organizations with 
                                expertise in the protection of privacy;
                                    (III) one member shall be a 
                                representative of organizations with 
                                expertise in security;
                                    (IV) one member shall be a 
                                representative of health care 
                                providers;
                                    (V) one member shall be a 
                                representative of health plans or other 
                                third party payers;
                                    (VI) one member shall be a 
                                representative of information 
                                technology vendors; and
                                    (VII) one member shall be a 
                                representative of purchasers or 
                                employers.
                    (B) National coordinator.--The National Coordinator 
                shall be a member of the Partnership and act as a 
                liaison among the Partnership, the community, and the 
                Federal Government.
            (2) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--The Partnership 
        shall designate one member to serve as the chairperson and one 
        member to serve as the vice chairperson of the Partnership.
            (3) Participation.--Members shall be appointed under 
        paragraph (1)(A), and the Partnership shall develop procedures 
        for conducting its activities, so as to ensure a balance among 
        various sectors of the health care system so that no single 
        sector unduly influences the recommendations of the 
        Partnership.
            (4) Terms.--Members appointed under paragraph (1)(A) shall 
        serve for 3 year terms, except that any member appointed to 
        fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be appointed for the 
        remainder of such term. A member may serve for not to exceed 
        180 days after the expiration of such member's term or until a 
        successor has been appointed.
            (5) Outside involvement.--The Partnership shall ensure an 
        adequate opportunity for the participation of outside advisors, 
        including individuals with expertise in--
                    (A) the protection of personal health information 
                privacy;
                    (B) personal health information security;
                    (C) health care quality and patient safety, 
                including individuals with expertise in utilizing 
                health information technology to improve health care 
                quality and patient safety;
                    (D) medical and clinical research data exchange; 
                and
                    (E) developing health information technology 
                standards and new health information technology.
            (6) Quorum.--Two-thirds of the members of the Partnership 
        shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting votes.
    (c) Standards and Implementation Specifications.--
            (1) Schedule.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this title, the Partnership shall develop a 
        schedule for the assessment of standards and implementation 
        specifications under this section. The Partnership shall update 
        such schedule annually. The Secretary shall publish such 
        schedule in the Federal Register and on the Internet website of 
        the Department of Health and Human Services.
            (2) First year recommendations.--Consistent with the 
        schedule published under paragraph (1) and not later than 1 
        year after date of enactment of this title, the Partnership 
        shall recommend, and the Secretary shall review, such standards 
        and implementation specifications.
            (3) Ongoing recommendations.--The Partnership shall review 
        and modify, as appropriate but at least annually, adopted 
        standards and implementation specifications and continue to 
        recommend additional standards and implementation 
        specifications, consistent with the schedule published pursuant 
        to paragraph (1). The Secretary shall review such modifications 
        and recommendations.
            (4) Recognition of private entities.--The Partnership, in 
        consultation with the Secretary, may recognize a private entity 
        or entities for the purpose of developing and updating 
        standards and implementation specifications to achieve uniform 
        and consistent implementation of the standards adopted by the 
        President under this title. Such entity or entities shall make 
        recommendations to the Partnership consistent with this 
        section.
            (5) Publication.--All recommendations made by the 
        Partnership pursuant to this section shall be published in the 
        Federal Register and on the Internet website of the Office of 
        the National Coordinator.
            (6) Requirement for certain recommendations.--The 
        Partnership may not issue any recommendation that affects an 
        individual's right to health information privacy unless such 
        recommendation receives the affirmative support of the consumer 
        or patient organization representative of the Partnership 
        appointed under subsection (b)(1)(A)(vi)(I).
            (7) Pilot testing.--The Secretary may conduct, or recognize 
        a private entity or entities to conduct, a pilot project to 
        test the standards and implementation specifications developed 
        under this section in order to provide for the efficient 
        implementation of the standards and implementation 
        specifications described in this subsection prior to issuing 
        such recommendations.
            (8) Public input.--The Partnership shall conduct open 
        public meetings and develop a process to allow for public 
        comment on the schedule and recommendations described in this 
        section. Such process shall ensure that such comments will be 
        submitted within 30 days of the publication of a recommendation 
        under this section.
            (9) Federal action.--Not later than 90 days after the 
        issuance of a recommendation from the Partnership under this 
        subsection, the Secretary, in collaboration with 
        representatives of other relevant Federal agencies as 
        determined appropriate by the President, shall jointly review 
        such recommendation. If appropriate, the President shall 
        provide for the adoption by the Federal Government of any 
        standard or implementation specification contained in such 
        recommendation only after providing an opportunity for public 
        comment in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United 
        States Code. Such determination shall be published in the 
        Federal Register and on the Internet website of the Office of 
        the National Coordinator within 30 days after such 
        determination is made.
            (10) Consistency.--The standards and implementation 
        specifications described in this subsection shall be consistent 
        with the privacy protections in title I and the standards for 
        information transactions and data elements developed pursuant 
        to the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the 
        Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
    (d) Certification.--
            (1) Developing criteria.--The Partnership, in consultation 
        with the Secretary, may recognize a private entity or entities 
        for the purpose of developing and recommending to the 
        Partnership criteria to certify that appropriate categories of 
        health information technology products that claim to be in 
        compliance with applicable standards and implementation 
        specifications adopted under this title have established such 
        compliance.
            (2) Adoption of criteria.--The Secretary, based upon the 
        recommendations of the Partnership, shall review, and if 
        appropriate, adopt such criteria.
            (3) Conducting certification.--The Secretary may recognize 
        a private entity or entities to conduct the certifications 
        described under paragraph (1) using the criteria adopted by the 
        Secretary under this subsection.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as disrupting existing activities described in subsection (c) 
or (d).
    (f) Requirement to Consider Recommendations.--In carrying out the 
activities described in subsections (c) and (d), the Partnership shall 
adopt and integrate the recommendations of the American Health 
Information Community that are adopted by the Secretary.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of the 
fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

SEC. 203. AMERICAN HEALTH INFORMATION COMMUNITY POLICIES.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established a committee to be known as 
the American Health Information Community (in this section referred to 
as the ``Community''). The Community shall--
            (1) provide advice to the Secretary and the heads of any 
        relevant Federal agencies concerning the policy considerations 
        related to health information technology;
            (2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
        this title, and annually thereafter, make recommendations 
        concerning a policy framework for the development and adoption 
        of a nationwide interoperable health information technology 
        infrastructure;
            (3) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
        this title, and annually thereafter, make recommendation 
        concerning national policies for adoption by the Federal 
        Government, and voluntary adoption by private entities, to 
        support the widespread adoption of health information 
        technology, including--
                    (A) the protection of personal health information, 
                including policies concerning the individual's ability 
                to control the acquisition, uses, and disclosures of 
                personal health information;
                    (B) methods to protect personal health information 
                from improper use and disclosures and methods to notify 
                patients if their personal health information is 
                wrongfully disclosed;
                    (C) methods to facilitate and secure access to such 
                individual's personal health information;
                    (D) the appropriate uses of a nationwide personal 
                health information infrastructure including--
                            (i) the collection of quality data and 
                        public reporting;
                            (ii) biosurveillance and public health;
                            (iii) medical and clinical research; and
                            (iv) drug safety;
                    (E) fostering the public understanding of health 
                information technology;
                    (F) strategies to enhance the use of health 
                information technology in preventing and managing 
                chronic disease;
                    (G) policies to incorporate the input of employees 
                of health care providers in the design and 
                implementation of health information technology 
                systems; and
                    (H) other policies determined to be necessary by 
                the Community; and
            (4) serve as a forum for the participation of a broad range 
        of stakeholders to provide input on improving the effective 
        implementation of health information technology systems.
The Community may not make any recommendation that affects an 
individual's right to health information privacy unless the 
recommendation receives the affirmative support of the consumer or 
patient organization representative appointed under subsection 
(c)(1)(A)(viii)(I).
    (b) Publication.--All recommendations made by the Community 
pursuant to this section shall be published in the Federal Register and 
on the Internet website of the National Coordinator. The Secretary 
shall review all recommendations and determine which recommendations 
shall be endorsed by the Federal Government and such determination 
shall be published on the Internet website of the Office of the 
National Coordinator after an opportunity for public comment in 
accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
    (c) Membership.--
            (1) Members.--The members of the Community shall consist of 
        the following:
                    (A) Appointed members.--The appointed members of 
                the Community shall be appointed as follows:
                            (i) 3 members shall be appointed by the 
                        Secretary, 1 of whom shall be a representative 
                        from the Department of Health and Human 
                        Services.
                            (ii) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        Secretary of Veterans Affairs who shall 
                        represent the Department of Veterans Affairs.
                            (iii) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        Secretary of Defense who shall represent the 
                        Department of Defense.
                            (iv) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        majority leader of the Senate.
                            (v) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        minority leader of the Senate.
                            (vi) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        Speaker of the House of Representatives.
                            (vii) 1 member shall be appointed by the 
                        minority leader of the House of 
                        Representatives.
                            (viii) Nine members shall be appointed by 
                        the Comptroller General of whom--
                                    (I) one member shall be advocates 
                                for patients or consumers;
                                    (II) one member shall represent 
                                health care providers;
                                    (III) one member shall be from a 
                                labor organization representing health 
                                care workers;
                                    (IV) one member shall have 
                                expertise in the protection of privacy 
                                and data security;
                                    (V) one member shall have expertise 
                                in improving the health of vulnerable 
                                populations;
                                    (VI) one member shall represent 
                                health plans or other third party 
                                payers;
                                    (VII) one member shall represent 
                                information technology vendors;
                                    (VIII) one member shall represent 
                                purchasers or employers; and
                                    (IX) one member shall have 
                                expertise in health care quality 
                                measurement and reporting.
                    (B) National coordinator.--The National Coordinator 
                shall be a member of the Community and act as a liaison 
                among the Community, the partnership, and the Federal 
                Government.
            (2) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--The Community shall 
        designate one member to serve as the chairperson and one member 
        to serve as the vice chairperson of the Community.
            (3) Participation.--The members of the Community appointed 
        under paragraph (1) shall represent a balance among various 
        sectors of the health care system so that no single sector 
        unduly influences the recommendations of the Community.
            (4) Terms.--
                    (A) In general.--The terms of members of the 
                Community shall be for 3 years except that the 
                Comptroller General shall designate staggered terms for 
                the members first appointed.
                    (B) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a 
                vacancy in the membership of the Community that occurs 
                prior to the expiration of the term for which the 
                member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed 
                only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve 
                after the expiration of that member's term until a 
                successor has been appointed. A vacancy in the 
                Community shall be filled in the manner in which the 
                original appointment was made.
            (5) Outside involvement.--The Community shall ensure an 
        adequate opportunity for the participation of outside advisors, 
        including individuals with expertise in--
                    (A) the protection of health information privacy 
                and security;
                    (B) improving the health of vulnerable populations;
                    (C) health care quality and patient safety, 
                including individuals with expertise in measurement and 
                the use of health information technology to capture 
                data to improve health care quality and patient safety;
                    (D) ethics, including the ethical standards of 
                professional medical and mental health practitioner 
                associations;
                    (E) medical and clinical research data exchange;
                    (F) developing health information technology 
                standards and new health information technology; and
                    (G) the operation of a State or local health 
                information network.
            (6) Quorum.--Ten members of the Community shall constitute 
        a quorum for purposes of voting, but a lesser number of members 
        may meet and hold hearings.
    (d) Federal Agencies.--
            (1) Staff of other federal agencies.--Upon the request of 
        the Community, the head of any Federal agency may detail, 
        without reimbursement, any of the personnel of such agency to 
        the Community to assist in carrying out the duties of the 
        Community. Any such detail shall not interrupt or otherwise 
        affect the civil service status or privileges of the Federal 
        employee involved.
            (2) Technical assistance.--Upon the request of the 
        Community, the head of a Federal agency shall provide such 
        technical assistance to the Community as the Community 
        determines to be necessary to carry out its duties.
            (3) Other resources.--The Community shall have reasonable 
        access to materials, resources, statistical data, and other 
        information from the Library of Congress and agencies and 
        elected representatives of the executive and legislative 
        branches of the Federal Government. The chairperson or vice 
        chairperson of the Community shall make requests for such 
        access in writing when necessary.
    (e) Application of FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Community, except that the term 
provided for under section 14(a)(2) of such Act shall be not longer 
than 7 years.
    (f) Sunset.--The provisions of this section shall not apply after 
September 20, 2014.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2009 and 2010.

SEC. 204. RESEARCH ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE DATA AND REPORTING ON 
              PERFORMANCE.

    The Secretary shall permit researchers that meet criteria used to 
evaluate the appropriateness of the release data for research purpose 
(as established by the Secretary) to--
            (1) have access to all Federal health care data; and
            (2) report on the performance of health care providers and 
        suppliers, including reporting in a provider- or supplier-
        identifiable format.

   Subtitle B--Facilitating the Widespread Adoption of Interoperable 
                     Health Information Technology

SEC. 211. FACILITATING THE WIDESPREAD ADOPTION OF INTEROPERABLE HEALTH 
              INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Competitive Grants for Adoption of Technology.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary may award competitive grants 
        to eligible entities to facilitate the purchase and enhance the 
        utilization of qualified health information technology systems 
        (as defined in section 213) to improve the quality and 
        efficiency of health care.
            (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1) an entity shall--
                    (A) submit to the Secretary an application at such 
                time, in such manner, and containing such information 
                as the Secretary may require;
                    (B) submit to the Secretary a strategic plan for 
                the implementation of data sharing and interoperability 
                measures;
                    (C) adopt the standards adopted by the Federal 
                Government under section 301;
                    (D) implement the measures adopted under section 
                221 and report to the Secretary on such measures;
                    (E) comply with the requirements of title I;
                    (F) take into account the input of employees and 
                staff who are directly involved in patient care of such 
                health care providers in the design, implementation, 
                and use of qualified health information technology 
                systems;
                    (G) demonstrate significant financial need;
                    (H) provide matching funds in accordance with 
                paragraph (4); and
                    (I) be a--
                            (i) public or not for profit hospital;
                            (ii) federally qualified health center (as 
                        defined in section 1861(aa)(4) of the Social 
                        Security Act);
                            (iii) individual or group practice (or a 
                        consortium thereof); or
                            (iv) another health care provider not 
                        described in clause (i) or (ii);
                that serves medically undeserved communities.
            (3) Use of funds.--Amounts received under a grant under 
        this subsection shall be used to--
                    (A) facilitate the purchase of qualified health 
                information technology systems;
                    (B) train personnel in the use of such systems;
                    (C) enhance the utilization of qualified health 
                information technology systems (which may include 
                activities to increase the awareness among consumers of 
                health care privacy protections); or
                    (D) improve the prevention and management of 
                chronic disease.
            (4) Matching requirement.--To be eligible for a grant under 
        this subsection an entity shall contribute non-Federal 
        contributions to the costs of carrying out the activities for 
        which the grant is awarded in an amount equal to $1 for each $3 
        of Federal funds provided under the grant.
            (5) Preference in awarding grants.--In awarding grants 
        under this subsection the Secretary shall give preference to--
                    (A) eligible entities that will improve the degree 
                to which such entity will link the qualified health 
                information technology system to local or regional 
                health information plan or plans; and
                    (B) with respect to awards made for the purpose of 
                providing care in an outpatient medical setting, 
                entities that organize their practices as a patient-
                centered medical home.
    (b) Competitive Grants for the Development of State Loan Programs 
To Facilitate the Widespread Adoption of Health Information 
Technology.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary may award competitive grants 
        to States for the establishment of State programs for loans to 
        health care providers to facilitate the purchase and enhance 
        the utilization of qualified health information technology.
            (2) Establishment of fund.--To be eligible to receive a 
        competitive grant under this subsection, a State shall 
        establish a qualified health information technology loan fund 
        (referred to in this subsection as a ``State loan fund'') and 
        comply with the other requirements contained in this 
        subsection. Amounts received under a grant under this 
        subsection shall be deposited in the State loan fund 
        established by the State. No funds authorized by other 
        provisions of this title to be used for other purposes 
        specified in this title shall be deposited in any such State 
        loan fund.
            (3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1) a State shall--
                    (A) submit to the Secretary an application at such 
                time, in such manner, and containing such information 
                as the Secretary may require;
                    (B) submit to the Secretary a strategic plan in 
                accordance with paragraph (4);
                    (C) establish a qualified health information 
                technology loan fund in accordance with paragraph (2);
                    (D) require that health care providers receiving 
                loans under the grant--
                            (i) link, to the extent practicable, the 
                        qualified health information system to a local 
                        or regional health information network;
                            (ii) consult, as needed, with the Health 
                        Information Technology Resource Center 
                        established in section 914(d) to access the 
                        knowledge and experience of existing 
                        initiatives regarding the successful 
                        implementation and effective use of health 
                        information technology;
                            (iii) agree to notify individuals if their 
                        personal health information is wrongfully 
                        disclosed; and
                            (iv) take into account the input of 
                        employees and staff who are directly involved 
                        in patient care of such health care providers 
                        in the design and implementation and use of 
                        qualified health information technology 
                        systems;
                    (E) require that health care providers receiving 
                loans under the grant adopt the standards adopted by 
                the Federal Government under section 301;
                    (F) require that health care providers receiving 
                loans under the grant implement the measures adopted 
                under section 221 and report to the Secretary on such 
                measures; and
                    (G) provide matching funds in accordance with 
                paragraph (8).
            (4) Strategic plan.--
                    (A) In general.--A State that receives a grant 
                under this subsection shall annually prepare a 
                strategic plan that identifies the intended uses of 
                amounts available to the State loan fund of the State.
                    (B) Contents.--A strategic plan under subparagraph 
                (A) shall include--
                            (i) a list of the projects to be assisted 
                        through the State loan fund in the first fiscal 
                        year that begins after the date on which the 
                        plan is submitted;
                            (ii) a description of the criteria and 
                        methods established for the distribution of 
                        funds from the State loan fund;
                            (iii) a description of the financial status 
                        of the State loan fund and the short-term and 
                        long-term goals of the State loan fund; and
                            (iv) a description of the strategies the 
                        State will use to address challenges in the 
                        adoption of health information technology due 
                        to limited broadband access.
            (5) Use of funds.--
                    (A) In general.--Amounts deposited in a State loan 
                fund, including loan repayments and interest earned on 
                such amounts, shall be used only for awarding loans or 
                loan guarantees, or as a source of reserve and security 
                for leveraged loans, the proceeds of which are 
                deposited in the State loan fund established under 
                paragraph (1). Loans under this section may be used by 
                a health care provider to--
                            (i) facilitate the purchase of qualified 
                        health information technology systems;
                            (ii) enhance the utilization of qualified 
                        health information technology systems (which 
                        may include activities to increase the 
                        awareness among consumers of health care of 
                        privacy protections and privacy rights); or
                            (iii) train personnel in the use of such 
                        systems.
                    (B) Limitation.--Amounts received by a State under 
                this subsection may not be used--
                            (i) for the purchase or other acquisition 
                        of any health information technology system 
                        that is not a qualified health information 
                        technology system;
                            (ii) to conduct activities for which 
                        Federal funds are expended under this title, or 
                        the amendments made by this title; or
                            (iii) for any purpose other than making 
                        loans to eligible entities under this section.
            (6) Types of assistance.--Except as otherwise limited by 
        applicable State law, amounts deposited into a State loan fund 
        under this subsection may only be used for the following:
                    (A) To award loans that comply with the following:
                            (i) The interest rate for each loan shall 
                        be less than or equal to the market interest 
                        rate.
                            (ii) The principal and interest payments on 
                        each loan shall commence not later than 1 year 
                        after the date on which the loan was awarded, 
                        and each loan shall be fully amortized not 
                        later than 10 years after such date.
                            (iii) The State loan fund shall be credited 
                        with all payments of principal and interest on 
                        each loan awarded from the fund.
                    (B) To guarantee, or purchase insurance for, a 
                local obligation (all of the proceeds of which finance 
                a project eligible for assistance under this 
                subsection) if the guarantee or purchase would improve 
                credit market access or reduce the interest rate 
                applicable to the obligation involved.
                    (C) As a source of revenue or security for the 
                payment of principal and interest on revenue or general 
                obligation bonds issued by the State if the proceeds of 
                the sale of the bonds will be deposited into the State 
                loan fund.
                    (D) To earn interest on the amounts deposited into 
                the State loan fund.
            (7) Administration of state loan funds.--
                    (A) Combined financial administration.--A State may 
                (as a convenience and to avoid unnecessary 
                administrative costs) combine, in accordance with State 
                law, the financial administration of a State loan fund 
                established under this subsection with the financial 
                administration of any other revolving fund established 
                by the State if not otherwise prohibited by the law 
                under which the State loan fund was established.
                    (B) Cost of administering fund.--Each State may 
                annually use not to exceed 4 percent of the funds 
                provided to the State under a grant under this 
                subsection to pay the reasonable costs of the 
                administration of the programs under this section, 
                including the recovery of reasonable costs expended to 
                establish a State loan fund which are incurred after 
                the date of enactment of this title.
                    (C) Guidance and regulations.--The Secretary shall 
                publish guidance and promulgate regulations as may be 
                necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
                subsection, including--
                            (i) provisions to ensure that each State 
                        commits and expends funds allotted to the State 
                        under this subsection as efficiently as 
                        possible in accordance with this title and 
                        applicable State laws; and
                            (ii) guidance to prevent waste, fraud, and 
                        abuse.
                    (D) Private sector contributions.--
                            (i) In general.--A State loan fund 
                        established under this subsection may accept 
                        contributions from private sector entities, 
                        except that such entities may not specify the 
                        recipient or recipients of any loan issued 
                        under this subsection.
                            (ii) Availability of information.--A State 
                        shall make publicly available the identity of, 
                        and amount contributed by, any private sector 
                        entity under clause (i) and may issue letters 
                        of commendation or make other awards (that have 
                        no financial value) to any such entity.
            (8) Matching requirements.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary may not make a grant 
                under paragraph (1) to a State unless the State agrees 
                to make available (directly or through donations from 
                public or private entities) non-Federal contributions 
                in cash toward the costs of the State program to be 
                implemented under the grant in an amount equal to not 
                less than $1 for each $1 of Federal funds provided 
                under the grant.
                    (B) Determination of amount of non-federal 
                contribution.--In determining the amount of non-Federal 
                contributions that a State has provided pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary may not include any 
                amounts provided to the State by the Federal 
                Government.
            (9) Preference in awarding grants.--The Secretary may give 
        a preference in awarding grants under this subsection to States 
        that adopt value-based purchasing programs to improve health 
        care quality.
            (10) Reports.--The Secretary shall annually submit to the 
        Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the 
        Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy 
        and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House 
        of Representatives, a report summarizing the reports received 
        by the Secretary from each State that receives a grant under 
        this subsection.
    (c) Competitive Grants for the Implementation of Regional or Local 
Health Information Technology Plans.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary may award competitive grants 
        to eligible entities to implement regional or local health 
        information plans to improve health care quality and efficiency 
        through the electronic exchange of personal health information 
        pursuant to the standards, implementation specifications and 
        certification criteria, and other requirements adopted by the 
        Secretary under section 221.
            (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        paragraph (1) an entity, which may be a health record bank or 
        trust, shall--
                    (A) demonstrate financial need to the Secretary;
                    (B) demonstrate that one of its principal missions 
                or purposes is to use information technology to improve 
                health care quality and efficiency;
                    (C) adopt bylaws, memoranda of understanding, or 
                other charter documents that demonstrate that the 
                governance structure and decision making processes of 
                such entity allow for participation on an ongoing basis 
                by multiple stakeholders within a community, 
                including--
                            (i) health care providers (including health 
                        care providers that provide services to low 
                        income and undeserved populations);
                            (ii) pharmacists or pharmacies;
                            (iii) health plans;
                            (iv) health centers (as defined in section 
                        330(b)) and federally qualified health centers 
                        (as defined in section 1861(aa)(4) of the 
                        Social Security Act) and rural health clinics 
                        (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social 
                        Security Act), if such centers or clinics are 
                        present in the community served by the entity;
                            (v) patient or consumer organizations;
                            (vi) organizations dedicated to improving 
                        the health of vulnerable populations;
                            (vii) employers;
                            (viii) State or local health departments; 
                        and
                            (ix) any other health care providers or 
                        other entities, as determined appropriate by 
                        the Secretary;
                    (D) demonstrate the participation, to the extent 
                practicable, of stakeholders in the electronic exchange 
                of personal health information within the local or 
                regional plan pursuant to subparagraph (C);
                    (E) adopt nondiscrimination and conflict of 
                interest policies that demonstrate a commitment to 
                open, fair, and nondiscriminatory participation in the 
                health information plan by all stakeholders;
                    (F) adopt the standards adopted by the Secretary 
                under section 301;
                    (G) require that health care providers receiving 
                such grants--
                            (i) implement the measures adopted under 
                        section 221 and report to the Secretary on such 
                        measures; and
                            (ii) take into account the input of 
                        employees and staff who are directly involved 
                        in patient care of such health care providers 
                        in the design, implementation, and use of 
                        health information technology systems;
                    (H) agree to comply with the requirements of title 
                I;
                    (I) facilitate the electronic exchange of personal 
                health information within the local or regional area 
                and among local and regional areas;
                    (J) prepare and submit to the Secretary an 
                application in accordance with paragraph (3);
                    (K) agree to provide matching funds in accordance 
                with paragraph (5); and
                    (L) reduce barriers to the implementation of health 
                information technology by providers.
            (3) Application.--
                    (A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant 
                under paragraph (1), an entity shall submit to the 
                Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, 
                and containing such information as the Secretary may 
                require.
                    (B) Required information.--At a minimum, an 
                application submitted under this paragraph shall 
                include--
                            (i) clearly identified short-term and long-
                        term objectives of the regional or local health 
                        information plan;
                            (ii) a technology plan that complies with 
                        the standards, implementation specifications, 
                        and certification criteria adopted under 
                        section 202(c)(6) and that includes a 
                        descriptive and reasoned estimate of costs of 
                        the hardware, software, training, and 
                        consulting services necessary to implement the 
                        regional or local health information plan;
                            (iii) a strategy that includes initiatives 
                        to improve health care quality and efficiency, 
                        including the use and reporting of health care 
                        quality measures adopted under section 221;
                            (iv) a plan that describes provisions to 
                        encourage the implementation of the electronic 
                        exchange of personal health information by all 
                        health care providers participating in the 
                        health information plan;
                            (v) a plan to ensure the privacy and 
                        security of personal health information that is 
                        consistent with the requirements of title I;
                            (vi) a governance plan that defines the 
                        manner in which the stakeholders shall jointly 
                        make policy and operational decisions on an 
                        ongoing basis;
                            (vii) a financial or business plan that 
                        describes--
                                    (I) the sustain ability of the 
                                plan;
                                    (II) the financial costs and 
                                benefits of the plan; and
                                    (III) the entities to which such 
                                costs and benefits will accrue;
                            (viii) a description of whether the State 
                        in which the entity resides has received a 
                        grant under section 319D of the Public Health 
                        Service Act, alone or as a part of a 
                        consortium, and if the State has received such 
                        a grant, how the entity will coordinate the 
                        activities funded under such section 319D with 
                        the system under this section; and
                            (ix) in the case of an applicant entity 
                        that is unable to demonstrate the participation 
                        of all stakeholders pursuant to paragraph 
                        (2)(C), the justification from the entity for 
                        any such nonparticipation.
            (4) Use of funds.--Amounts received under a grant under 
        paragraph (1) shall be used to establish and implement a 
        regional or local health information plan in accordance with 
        this subsection.
            (5) Matching requirement.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary may not make a grant 
                under this subsection to an entity unless the entity 
                agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred 
                by the entity in carrying out the network program for 
                which the grant was awarded, the entity will make 
                available (directly or through donations from public or 
                private entities) non-Federal contributions toward such 
                costs in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of 
                such costs ($1 for each $2 of Federal funds provided 
                under the grant).
                    (B) Determination of amount contributed.--Non-
                Federal contributions required under subparagraph (A) 
                may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including 
                equipment, technology, or services. Amounts provided by 
                the Federal Government, or services assisted or 
                subsidized to any significant extent by the Federal 
                Government, may not be included in determining the 
                amount of such non-Federal contributions.
            (6) Health record bank or trust defined.--In this section, 
        the term ``health record bank or trust'' means an independent 
        organization that provides a secure electronic repository for 
        storing and maintaining an individual's lifetime health and 
        medical records from multiple sources and ensuring that the 
        individual always has complete control over who accesses their 
        information.
    (d) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
first grant is awarded under this section, and annually thereafter 
during the grant period, an entity that receives a grant under this 
section shall submit to the Secretary a report on the activities 
carried out under the grant involved. Each such report shall include--
            (1) a description of the financial costs and benefits of 
        the project involved and of the entities to which such costs 
        and benefits accrue;
            (2) an analysis of the impact of the project on health care 
        quality and safety;
            (3) a description of any reduction in duplicative or 
        unnecessary care as a result of the project involved; and
            (4) other information as required by the Secretary.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out this 
        section, there is authorized to be appropriated $139,000,000 
        for fiscal year 2009 and $139,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
            (2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) 
        shall remain available through fiscal year 2012.

SEC. 212. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM TO INTEGRATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
              INTO CLINICAL EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary may award grants to eligible 
entities or consortia under this section to carry out demonstration 
projects to develop academic curricula integrating qualified health 
information technology systems in the clinical education of health 
professionals or analyze clinical data sets to discover quality 
measures. Such awards shall be made on a competitive basis and pursuant 
to peer review.
    (b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
subsection (a), an entity or consortium shall--
            (1) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in 
        such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
        may require;
            (2) be or include--
                    (A) a health professions school;
                    (B) a school of nursing; or
                    (C) an institution with a graduate medical 
                education program;
            (3) provide for the collection of data regarding the 
        effectiveness of the demonstration project to be funded under 
        the grant in improving the safety of patients and the 
        efficiency of health care delivery; and
            (4) provide matching funds in accordance with subsection 
        (d).
    (c) Use of Funds.--
            (1) In general.--With respect to a grant under subsection 
        (a), an eligible entity or consortium shall use amounts 
        received under the grant in collaboration with 2 or more 
        disciplines.
            (2) Limitation.--An eligible entity or consortium shall not 
        award a grant under subsection (a) to purchase hardware, 
        software, or services.
    (d) Matching Funds.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary may award a grant to an 
        entity under or consortium this section only if the entity of 
        consortium agrees to make available non-Federal contributions 
        toward the costs of the program to be funded under the grant in 
        an amount that is not less than $1 for each $2 of Federal funds 
        provided under the grant.
            (2) Determination of amount contributed.--Non-Federal 
        contributions under paragraph (1) may be in cash or in kind, 
        fairly evaluated, including equipment or services. Amounts 
        provided by the Federal Government, or services assisted or 
        subsidized to any significant extent by the Federal Government, 
        may not be included in determining the amount of such 
        contributions.
    (e) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall take such action as may be 
necessary to evaluate the projects funded under this section and 
publish, make available, and disseminate the results of such 
evaluations on as wide a basis as is practicable.
    (f) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this title, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee 
on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce and 
the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a 
report that--
            (1) describes the specific projects established under this 
        section; and
            (2) contains recommendations for Congress based on the 
        evaluation conducted under subsection (e).
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2009 and 2010.
    (h) Sunset.--This provisions of this section shall not apply after 
September 30, 2012.

SEC. 213. QUALIFIED HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM DEFINED.

    In this subtitle, the term ``qualified health information 
technology system'' means a computerized system (including hardware and 
software) that--
            (1) safeguards the privacy, security, and confidentiality 
        of personal health information in accordance with the 
        requirements of title I;
            (2) maintains and provides permitted access to health 
        information in an electronic format;
            (3) with respect to personal health information maintained 
        in a designated record set, preserves an audit trail of each 
        individual that has gained access to such record set;
            (4) incorporates decision support to reduce medical errors 
        and enhance health care quality;
            (5) complies with the standards adopted by the Federal 
        Government under section 202;
            (6) has the ability to transmit and exchange information to 
        other health information technology systems and, to the extent 
        feasible, public health information technology systems; and
            (7) allows for the reporting of quality measures adopted 
        under section 221.

            Subtitle C--Improving the Quality of Health Care

SEC. 221. FOSTERING DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF HEALTH CARE QUALITY 
              MEASURES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide for the development 
and use of health care quality measures (referred to in this title as 
``quality measures'') for the purpose of measuring the quality and 
efficiency of health care that patients receive.
    (b) Designation of, and Arrangement With, Organization.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this title, the Secretary shall designate, and 
        have in effect an arrangement with, a single organization that 
        meets the requirements of subsection (c) under which such 
        organization shall promote the development of quality measures 
        and provide the Secretary with advice and recommendations on 
        the key elements and priorities of a national system for 
        healthcare performance measurement.
            (2) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities to be performed 
        by the organization designated under paragraph (1) (in this 
        title referred to as the ``designated organization'') shall 
        include--
                    (A) establishing and managing an integrated 
                national strategy and process for setting priorities 
                and goals in establishing quality measures;
                    (B) coordinating and harmonizing the development 
                and testing of such measures;
                    (C) establishing standards for the development and 
                testing of such measures;
                    (D) endorsing national consensus quality measures;
                    (E) recommending, in collaboration with multi-
                stakeholder groups, quality measures to the Secretary 
                for adoption and use;
                    (F) promoting the development and use of electronic 
                health records that contain the functionality for 
                automated collection, aggregation, and transmission of 
                performance measurement information; and
                    (G) providing recommendations and advice to the 
                Partnership for Health Care Improvement regarding the 
                integration of quality measures into the certification 
                process outlined under section 202 and the American 
                Health Information Community regarding national 
                policies outlined under section 203.
    (c) Requirements Described.--The requirements described in this 
subsection are the following:
            (1) Private entity.--The organization shall be a private 
        nonprofit entity that is governed by a board of directors and 
        an individual who is designated as president and chief 
        executive officer.
            (2) Board membership.--The members of the board of 
        directors of the entity shall include representatives of--
                    (A) health care providers or groups representing 
                providers;
                    (B) health plans or groups representing health 
                plans;
                    (C) patients or consumers enrolled in such plans or 
                groups representing individuals enrolled in such plans;
                    (D) health care purchasers and employers or groups 
                representing purchasers or employers; and
                    (E) organizations that develop health information 
                technology standards and new health information 
                technology.
            (3) Other membership requirements.--The membership of the 
        board of directors of the entity shall be representative of 
        individuals with experience with--
                    (A) urban health care issues;
                    (B) safety net health care issues;
                    (C) rural or frontier health care issues;
                    (D) quality and safety issues;
                    (E) State or local health programs;
                    (F) individuals or entities skilled in the conduct 
                and interpretation of biomedical, health services, and 
                health economics research and with expertise in 
                outcomes and effectiveness research and technology 
                assessment;
                    (G) individuals or entities involved in the 
                development and establishment of standards and 
                certification for health information technology systems 
                and clinical data; and
                    (H) members of the medical and mental health 
                professions with expertise in standards of professional 
                ethics.
            (4) Open and transparent.--With respect to matters related 
        to the arrangement with the Secretary under subsection (a)(1), 
        the organization shall conduct its business in an open and 
        transparent manner, and provide the opportunity for public 
        comment and ensure a balance among disparate stakeholders, so 
        that no member organization unduly influences the work of the 
        organization.
            (5) Voluntary consensus standards setting organizations.--
        The organization shall operate as a voluntary consensus 
        standards setting organization as defined for purposes of 
        section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and 
        Advancement Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-113) and Office of 
        Management and Budget Revised Circular A-119 (published in the 
        Federal Register on February 10, 1998).
            (6) Participation.--If the organization requires a fee for 
        membership, the organization shall ensure that such fee is not 
        a substantial barrier to participation in the entity's 
        activities related to the arrangement with the Secretary.
    (d) Requirements for Measures.--The quality measures developed 
under this title shall comply with the following:
            (1) Measures.--The designated organization, in promoting 
        the development of quality measures under this title, shall 
        ensure that such measures--
                    (A) are evidence-based, reliable, and valid;
                    (B) include--
                            (i) measures of clinical processes and 
                        outcomes, patient experience, efficiency, and 
                        equity; and
                            (ii) measures to assess effectiveness, 
                        timeliness, patient self-management, patient 
                        centeredness, and safety; and
                    (C) include measures of underuse and overuse.
            (2) Priorities.--In carrying out its responsibilities under 
        this section, the designated organization shall ensure that 
        priority is given to--
                    (A) measures that preserve access to quality health 
                care by protecting the privacy and security of personal 
                health information;
                    (B) measures with the greatest potential impact for 
                improving the performance and efficiency of care;
                    (C) measures that may be rapidly implemented by 
                group health plans, health insurance issuers, 
                physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care 
                providers, and other providers;
                    (D) measures which may inform health care decisions 
                made by consumers and patients;
                    (E) measures that apply to multiple services 
                furnished by different providers during an episode of 
                care;
                    (F) measures that can be integrated into 
                certification process described in section 202; and
                    (G) measures that may be integrated into the 
                decision support function of qualified health 
                information technology as defined by this title.
            (3) Risk adjustment.--The designated organization, in 
        consultation with performance measure developers and other 
        stakeholders, shall establish procedures to ensure that quality 
        measures take into account differences in patient health 
        status, patient characteristics, and geographic location, as 
        appropriate.
            (4) Maintenance.--The designated organization, in 
        consultation with owners and developers of quality measures, 
        shall require the owners or developers of quality measures to 
        update and enhance such measures, including the development of 
        more accurate and precise specifications, and retire existing 
        outdated measures. Such updating shall occur not more often 
        than once during each 12-month period, except in the case of 
        emergency circumstances requiring a more immediate update to a 
        measure.
    (e) Grants for Performance Measure Development.--The Secretary, 
acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, may 
award grants, in amounts not to exceed $50,000 each, to organizations 
to support the development and testing of quality measures that meet 
the standards established by the designated organization.

SEC. 222. ADOPTION AND USE OF QUALITY MEASURES; REPORTING.

    (a) In General.--For purposes of carrying out activities authorized 
or required by this title to ensure the use of quality measures and to 
foster uniformity between health care quality measures utilized by 
private entities, the Secretary shall--
            (1) select quality measures for adoption and use, from 
        quality measures recommended by multi-stakeholder groups and 
        endorsed by the designated organization; and
            (2) ensure that standards adopted under section 301 
        integrate the quality measures endorsed, adopted, and utilized 
        under this section.
    (b) Relationship With Programs Under the Social Security Act.--The 
Secretary shall ensure that the quality measures adopted under this 
section--
            (1) complement quality measures developed by the Secretary 
        under programs administered by the Secretary under the Social 
        Security Act, including programs under titles XVIII, XIX, and 
        XXI of such Act; and
            (2) do not conflict with the needs and priorities of the 
        programs under titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of such Act, as set 
        forth by the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & 
        Medicaid Services.
    (c) Reporting.--The Secretary shall implement procedures, 
consistent with generally accepted standards, to enable the Department 
of Health and Human Services to accept the electronic submission of 
data for purposes of performance measurement, including at the provider 
level, using the quality measures developed, endorsed, and adopted 
pursuant to this title.
    (d) Dissemination of Information.--In order to make comparative 
performance information available to health care consumers, health 
professionals, public health officials, oversight organizations, 
researchers, and other appropriate individuals and entities, after 
consultation with multi-stakeholder groups, the Secretary shall 
promulgate regulations to provide for the dissemination, aggregation, 
and analysis of quality measures collected pursuant to this title.

                  Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Provisions

SEC. 231. HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTER.

    Section 914 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299b-3) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Health Information Technology Resource Center.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
        Director, shall develop a Health Information Technology 
        Resource Center (referred to in this subsection as the 
        `Center') to provide technical assistance and develop best 
        practices to support and accelerate efforts to adopt, 
        implement, and effectively use interoperable health information 
        technology in compliance with sections 202 and 221 of the TRUST 
        in Health Information Act of 2008.
            ``(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Center are to--
                    ``(A) provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge 
                and experience;
                    ``(B) accelerate the transfer of lessons learned 
                from existing public and private sector initiatives, 
                including those currently receiving Federal financial 
                support;
                    ``(C) assemble, analyze, and widely disseminate 
                evidence and experience related to the adoption, 
                implementation, and effective use of interoperable 
                health information technology;
                    ``(D) provide for the establishment of regional and 
                local health information networks to facilitate the 
                development of interoperability across health care 
                settings and improve the quality of health care;
                    ``(E) provide for the development of solutions to 
                barriers to the exchange of electronic health 
                information; and
                    ``(F) conduct other activities identified by the 
                States, local, or regional health information networks, 
                or health care stakeholders as a focus for developing 
                and sharing best practices.
            ``(3) Support for activities.--To provide support for the 
        activities of the Center, the Director shall modify the 
        requirements, if necessary, that apply to the National Resource 
        Center for Health Information Technology to provide the 
        necessary infrastructure to support the duties and activities 
        of the Center and facilitate information exchange across the 
        public and private sectors.
            ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
        shall be construed to require the duplication of Federal 
        efforts with respect to the establishment of the Center, 
        regardless of whether such efforts were carried out prior to or 
        after the enactment of this subsection.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 
2009 and 2010 to carry out this section.''.

SEC. 232. FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF TELEHEALTH SERVICES ACROSS 
              STATE LINES.

    Section 330L of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-18) 
is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 330L. TELEMEDICINE; INCENTIVE GRANTS REGARDING COORDINATION 
              AMONG STATES.

    ``(a) Facilitating the Provision of Telehealth Services Across 
State Lines.--The Secretary may make grants to States that have adopted 
regional State reciprocity agreements for practitioner licensure, in 
order to expedite the provision of telehealth services across State 
lines.
    ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying 
out subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums 
as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2009 and 2010.''.

                        Subtitle E--Definitions

SEC. 241. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title, the following terms, defined in section 171, have 
the meanings given such terms in such section: Breach , 
confidentiality, de-identified health information, disclose, Director 
of the Office of Health Information Privacy, employer, health care, 
health care provider, Office of Health Information Privacy, privacy, 
personal health information, Secretary, security, State, and use.

                    TITLE III--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 301. FEDERAL PURCHASING AND DATA COLLECTION BY CMS AND OTHER 
              FEDERAL AGENCIES.

    (a) Coordination of Federal Spending.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the adoption 
        by the President of a recommendation under section 202(c)(6), 
        the Administrator of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid 
        Services and the head of any other Federal agency shall not 
        expend Federal funds for the purchase of any new health 
        information technology or health information technology system 
        for clinical care or for the electronic retrieval, storage, or 
        exchange of personal health information if such technology or 
        system is not consistent with applicable standards adopted by 
        the Federal Government under section 202.
            (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall 
        be construed to restrict the purchase of minor (as determined 
        by the Secretary) hardware or software components in order to 
        modify, correct a deficiency in, or extend the life of existing 
        hardware or software.
    (b) Voluntary Adoption.--
            (1) In general.--Any standards and implementation 
        specifications adopted by the Federal Government under section 
        202(c) shall be voluntary with respect to private entities.
            (2) Requirement.--Private entities that enter into a 
        contract with the Federal Government shall adopt the standards 
        and implementation specifications adopted by the Federal 
        Government under this section for the purpose of activities 
        under such Federal contract.
            (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
        construed to require that a private entity that enters into a 
        contract with the Federal Government adopt the standards and 
        implementation specifications adopted by the Federal Government 
        under this section with respect to activities not related to 
        the contract.
    (c) Coordination of Federal Data Collection.--Not later than 3 
years after the adoption by the Federal Government of a recommendation 
as provided for in section 202(c), all Federal agencies (including the 
Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services) collecting health data in an 
electronic format for the purposes of quality reporting, surveillance, 
epidemiology, adverse event reporting, research, or for other purposes 
determined appropriate by the Secretary, shall comply with the 
standards and implementation specifications adopted under such 
subsection.

SEC. 302. ENSURING HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS PARTICIPATING IN THE MEDICARE 
              PROGRAM MAY MAINTAIN HEALTH INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC 
              FORM.

    Section 1871 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395hh) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(g)(1) Any provider of services or supplier shall be deemed as 
meeting any requirement for the maintenance of data in paper form under 
this title (whether or not for purposes of management, billing, 
reporting, reimbursement, or otherwise) if the required data is 
maintained in an electronic form.
    ``(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring 
health care providers to maintain or submit data in electronic form.''.
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