If caregivers were not able to obtain and share patients medical histories, test results, physician observations, and other important information, patients would not receive the most appropriate, high-quality care possible. Our members consider themselves guardians of this information, which is why AHA has long supported the passage of strong federal legislation to establish uniform national standards for all who use health information. In health care, we must take the steps necessary to protect patients confidential information from those who would misuse it. We need strong, uniform federal legislation to do it. Federal legislation can do this by establishing a uniform national standard for the protection of health information including genetic information a standard that balances patient privacy with the need for information to flow freely among health care providers.
Patients have a right to know what information is in their records.
This level of accountability encourages accuracy and has the added benefit of encouraging patient involvement in their care. Preempt state laws that relate to health care confidentiality and privacy rights, with the exception of some public health laws. Health care today is delivered through providers that are linked together across delivery settings, and in organizations that cross state boundaries. AHA believes that the best way to set important standards for confidentiality of health information is to do so uniformly through a strong federal law. This law must be both a floor and ceiling, preempting all state laws with which may conflict, weaker or stronger.