Patient Access to Personal Health Data

Transitioning to electronic health records (EHRs) promised gains in efficiency and quality–but progress has been slow and fallen short of expectations. Despite positive steps in policy and regulations, progress has been sluggish and enforcement has been inadequate. This is particularly concerning given the limited number of EHR vendors which restricts competition and hinders innovation.

The Cicero Institute’s model legislation seeks to update and modernize the use and interoperability of electronic health information (EHI). It achieves this by leveraging and enhancing existing federal policies that protect health information privacy, promoting interoperability and authorized data sharing, and addressing gaps in current regulations. Additionally, it offers states the option to ensure parents have the right to consent to their minor children’s healthcare decisions and access their health records.