HHS Holds Keys to Next Generation of Health Information Privacy

[Commentary] To realize the promise of health information technology (IT), we need a new generation of health privacy that can be accomplished best with proactive and consistent privacy leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Specifically, HHS should:

1) Capitalize on opportunities provided in ARRA to strengthen and more effectively implement and enforce privacy and security protections for digital health information;

2) Ensure effective communication and coordination on privacy policy among its subagencies and offices, as well as with other federal agencies; and

3) Serve as an ongoing resource for stakeholders on the law and on effective privacy and security practices.