HHS Issues Privacy Rules For Use of Health Records.

(From Newsbytes)

Byline: Amy Goldstein

The Bush administration yesterday issued the final rules designed to protect the confidentiality of computerized patient records, for the first time giving Americans certain federal rights over how their medical information is used -- but offering weaker safeguards than those sought by consumer advocates.

When they take effect, for the most part next spring, the rules will require a host of new protections, including guaranteeing that people may inspect their medical records and correct mistakes, find out who else has looked at them, and seek penalties against anyone who misuses the information.

The final regulations, however, omit a requirement that patients' written permission must be obtained before their personal health information can be handled by doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and insurance plans -- a protection that lawmakers and two White Houses have contemplated for years.

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