AMIA Supports Overall Direction of HIPAA Modification Proposals, Calls for More Patient Privacy Protections and Alignment with Cures Rule

In comments submitted to the  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR), AMIA applauded the agency for its proposals to promote information sharing and patient access to data. However, AMIA strongly urged OCR to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to bolster protections for patients who use Personal Health Applications. AMIA also recommended that OCR review its definition of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) designated record set (DRS), in light of how the term is being used by the information blocking rules.