New California Laws Could Spark Other States To Act on Privacy
New medical privacy legislation in California could prompt other states to beef up their own privacy protections, according to health experts, American Medical News reports.
In September, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed bills -- SB 541 and AB 211 -- that will increase fines for privacy breaches and require medical facilities to take steps to protect patient records. The laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2009.
Experts maintain that the legislation also will prompt stricter enforcement of the medical privacy and security rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Lewis Dolan, American Medical News, 12/1). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.