Patients must choose between privacy and health care. At a time in their life when they are at their most vulnerable, patients must decide whether health care or privacy is most important to them. Public health nurses, home care providers, and physicial therapists must collect the data on all non-maternity patients over the age of 18 whether or not they ask for or receive patient consent.
Federal officials overstep bounds of authority.
In addition, HCFA has not received statutory authority to collect and register data on all patients using home health services, including those who pay privately. Family privacy rights violated. Patients and family members are required to open their doors for a state and federal inspection of their home in return for access to health care services. Data collected is not limited to the patient. Information on family members, including financial status and home environment, is collected and registered as well.