Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule. 

“The Trump Administration continues its dedication to strengthening patient and physician access to health data in its proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule,” said Burgess. “My experience as a physician and a patient provides me a unique understanding of the complexities of accessing data when it is critical to ensuring timely care coordination for a patient.

“In the midst of an emergency or following a difficult diagnosis, patients, their physicians, and their families should have access to certain tools and data to inform their medical decision making. Today’s proposal brings us one step closer to better care coordination, especially during emergencies. It builds on the work Congress has done to address the opioid epidemic in aligning 42 CFR Part 2 with HIPAA and in 21st Century Cures to stop information blocking, increase interoperability of electronic health records, and clarify that a patient’s medical data belongs to them.

“I appreciate the Trump Administration’s efforts to enhance care coordination and reduce burden on physicians. Technology and data will continue to play a growing role in health care, and I look forward to building upon the work Congress has already done on these issues.”