Abstract

APA Cites Privacy Worries in Health Technology BillRich Daly  Next SectionObjections by some senators who share APA's privacy concerns have slowed the progress of the legislation. Previous Section Legislation to advance the shared goal of Congress and President Bush to establish a national health information technology (HIT) infrastructure within 10 years has raised objections from APA and other mental health organizations. APA has opposed the Wired for Health Care Quality Act (S 1693) over concerns it would provide inadequate security and privacy protections for patients. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and had 12 cosponsors at press time. Similar legislation (HR 3800) was introduced in early October in the House by Rep. Anna Eschoo (D-Calif.) but has not yet advanced. “Carefully structured HIT development has the potential to raise the overall quality of care provided to patients, inform health professionals of the latest standards of care, and improve efficiency in electronic communication of important health care information,” the Mental Health Liaison Group, which includes APA, wrote in a letter to the bill's sponsors.“ But the potential of health information technology can only be realized if health information privacy and security are keystones to such