For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 01/07/01

Will New Medical Privacy Rules Be Accepted? 

Although President Clinton recently issued an extensive set of medical privacy protections to give patients authority over their medical histories, the debate between patient privacy advocates and the health care industry rages on.  Patient privacy advocates lauded the new rules that require doctors, hospitals and other health care providers to obtain written consent from patients before disclosing their medical information.  But large health care companies oppose the new rules, citing beneficial uses of medical data, such as research.  Dr. Robert Field, director of the health policy program at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, says that these new rules have to strike a balance in which medical information is provided for legitimate purposes but patient privacy is protected.   "I think the protection of identifiable medical records is crucial," said Dr. Field.  "If patients are afraid that their medical information is being spread all over, they will not be forthcoming in revealing information when they seek care.  If they are not honest and open with their doctors, then their health care could be in jeopardy.

"However, there are numerous situations when the information being released has legitimate purposes," added Dr. Field.  "For example, it will help to decrease medical errors because a patient's medical history will be easily accessible.  Also, insurance companies have the right to access some kinds of data to know what they're paying for and to limit unnecessary care."

Will this battle rage on or will Clinton's new rules extinguish the flames of controversy?  According to Dr. Field, this issue will not be resolved in the near future and will become a challenge for the new president and Congress.

"Information technology is growing by leaps and bounds," said Dr. Field. "The kinds of positive uses for this information will expand but the negative uses will also increase.   The stakes are extremely high and we will see a lot of litigation and legislative activity before it is resolved." 

To arrange an interview with Dr. Field, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186.

###