AHIMA takes credit for Bennett Medical Records Act

[James Love <love@tap.org>]

Industry groups lauds own effort in advancing Bennett Medical Records
legislation (S. 1360)

    CHICAGO, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Health Information
Management Association (AHIMA) testified before the Senate Committee on
Labor and Human Resources today supporting the Medical Records
Confidentiality Act of 1995 (S. 1360).  Kathleen A. Frawley, JD, MS,
RRA, director of AHIMA's Washington office, affirmed the need for such
federal legislation to protect the confidentiality of patient health
information.
          "For 67 years, AHIMA and its members have assumed the responsibility
for protecting the confidentiality of health information.  Our efforts
have been complicated by the lack of federal pre-emptive legislation,"
said Frawley. "We believe the Medical Records Confidentiality Act of
1995 is a solution to this dilemma as it establishes a nationwide code
of fair health information practices."
          In addition, Frawley pointed out that AHIMA also believes that all
patients should have the right to access their health information.
Currently, only 28 states allow patients to do so.
          "Many Americans have never seen their personal health records and
are unaware of the information contained in them.  The Medical Records
Confidentiality Act will provide all individuals with the right to
access their personal health information and amend errors if they do
exist," said Frawley.
          Frawley cited a recent survey sponsored by Equifax Inc., in which
95 percent of the participants favored federal legislation that
addresses individuals' rights to access their medical records and
creates procedures for updating and correcting those records.
          Outlining the benefits of computer-based patient record systems for
both patients and providers, Frawley also noted the need for such
federal pre-emptive legislation to secure on-line medical information.
          "In order to move healthcare delivery systems into the twenty-first
century, AHIMA believes that the nation cannot wait to enact federal
pre-emptive confidentiality legislation.  It is critical and, arguably,
the most important aspect of any healthcare reform effort," Frawley
added.
          In February 1993, AHIMA drafted model legislative language used as
the foundation for S. 1360, and upon its introduction was recognized for
taking a leadership role in promoting the need for such legislation.
          AHIMA is the professional organization of more than
35,000 experienced specialists in health information management.
Members are experts in securing, analyzing and integrating the
information that steers the healthcare industry.  AHIMA supports quality
patient care through advancing data accuracy, advocating confidentiality
and championing new technology.
      CO:  American Health Information Association
      ST:  Illinois, District of Columbia
      IN:  HEA
      SU:  LEG

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Subject: AHIMA PR