Even that time schedule, however, assumes that President-elect George W. Bush lets the new rules stand. But leaders in the health-care industry announced this week that they were launching a campaign essentially to restart the whole debate. These companies want Bush to weaken the new rules. In addition, privacy opponents are expected to try to get Congress involved in the issue again. Reading through summaries of the administration's new rules, one is struck by how basic they seem to be.
Medical information has value, and it belongs to individuals.
Taking it from them without their consent amounts to theft, among other things. That's why it is appropriate for the new privacy rules to include criminal provisions and prison terms for certain offenses. Americans already are sustaining extremely heavy costs through the loss of their privacy. And companies with responsible policies and practices have been placed at a competitive disadvantage against irresponsible companies. Good federal protections would not only address privacy abuses, they would provide uniform standards for medical and insurance companies around the country while leveling the economic playing field.