| Committee News
Release The Committee on Energy and Commerce W.J. "Billy" Tauzin, Chairman Chairman Tauzin Reacts
Washington (April 12) - Reacting
to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson's
announcement today that new medical privacy rules will be implemented
immediately, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-LA)
issued the following statement: "Given
the many legitimate concerns raised at our recent hearing, it's critically
important for Secretary Thompson to immediately begin the process of amending
and improving the new privacy rules. "In
addition to being too costly and too complex, the regulations fail to fully
protect the privacy of all Americans. In some respects, the new privacy
rules could even weaken - not improve - the confidential nature of certain
medical records. "As
we stand in the threshold of an interconnected 21st Century, it's important
that we do everything possible to safeguard all personally identifiable health
information. These new regulations fall short of that goal, but I am
confident Secretary Thompson can, and will, make the necessary improvements." Related Documents Contact: Ken
Johnson The
Committee on Energy and Commerce |