Privacy and Security of Personal Information in a New Health Care System

Abstract

A complex health care information infrastructure will exist under a reformed health care system as proposed in the American Health Security Act of 1993. The success of the new system will depend in part on the accuracy, correctness, and trustworthiness of the information and the privacy rights of individuals to control the disclosure of personal information. All participants in the new system (consumers and patients, health plans, health alliances, and a national health board) will need access to high-quality information for informed decision making. At the same time, everyone must have confidence that information of a private nature is adequately protected....This article examines the privacy and security goals for the collection, storage, and use of health care information in a new health care system and the means to attain those goals. The goals are to ensure (1) the integrity of health care data so that information is accurate, complete, and trustworthy -- the integrity of information is critical to quality patient care, assessment of services, research, and public health; (2) the availability of health data so that authorized persons who need the information for legitimate health purposes have ready access to the data -- if clinical information is not readily available to health care providers, the best interests of patients may be significantly compromised; and (3) the privacy of patients so that they can be assured that personal information remains private and will not be disclosed without their knowledge and permission.