Key House Republicans Urge Changes to HIPAA Privacy

May 14, 2001 -- Last week, two key Representatives sent a letter to President Bush urging that changes be made in the final HIPAA Privacy rule. Representatives Bill Thomas (R-CA) and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) noted several areas of concern and stated that "legislation may be necessary" to ensure a balance between patient's privacy rights and "legitimate" health care needs.

The five concerns outlined in the letter are consent requirements, "minimum necessary" standards, business associate requirements, coverage of oral communications and conflict with state standards.

Additionally, the letter suggests that legislation may be in the works to create a national uniform standard, noting that only legislation can pre-empt conflicting state standards.

Rep. Thomas is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Johnson is the Chairwoman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.

Full text of letter [PDF - 540K]