As a result, they cannot adequately protect the privacy of health information moving across state borders. Consequently, the privacy and confidentiality of health information may be threatened even more by interstate movement. It is precisely because of the increased flow of health information across interstate boundaries that many believe there is a need for uniform privacy standards. Any discussion about the exchange of health information must address the privacy and confidentiality implications. Similarly, Vice President Gore announced that the Clinton administration will attempt to block the implementation of UHIs until comprehensive privacy legislation is enacted.
Confidentiality is one cornerstone of quality health care.
Legal and ethical duties to maintain the confidentiality of health information are imposed on health care providers, in part, to encourage complete disclosure by the patient. The basis for the imposition of these duties is premised on the notion that a patient, believing that all communications will be held in the strictest of confidence, will be more willing to seek treatment and fully disclose all vital information, enabling the health care provider to more effectively diagnose and treat the patient. Without full disclosure of pertinent information, the quality of health care is endangered. Protection of the confidentiality of health information within an organization is provided by the organization's own security system and the underlying state's privacy laws. Opponents to the adoption of a unique health identifier argue that the use of multiple identifiers across organizations helps protect the confidentiality of health information, precisely because it impedes linkages of information across data systems.