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Lawmakers Want HIPAA Data Access Rules Amended To Encourage Consumer ‘Shopping’ For Diagnostics

Lawmakers at a House hearing discussed amending the HIPAA privacy regulations to allow patients more access to their own data, and to encourage patient participation in selecting their own genetic tests, mammograms or other diagnostics.

Both physicians and patients are needlessly hindered by health care data privacy regulations developed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which bar them from getting access to their own lab and imaging test information, said lawmakers and digital health experts at a June 24 House Energy and Commerce Panel hearing.

Participants at the meeting, which focused on digital health solutions, want patients to be able to download, view and access...

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