Bill 118 hr 7216, also known as the Protecting Healthcare Employee Privacy Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of safeguarding the privacy of healthcare workers. The bill seeks to address concerns regarding the disclosure of personal information of healthcare employees, particularly in the context of public health emergencies.
The main provisions of the bill include prohibiting the release of personal information of healthcare workers without their consent, except in cases where it is necessary for public health or safety reasons. The bill also establishes penalties for individuals or entities that violate the privacy rights of healthcare employees.
Additionally, the bill requires healthcare facilities to implement policies and procedures to protect the privacy of their employees, including training on privacy laws and regulations. It also mandates the establishment of a process for healthcare workers to report violations of their privacy rights.
Overall, the Protecting Healthcare Employee Privacy Act aims to ensure that healthcare workers have control over their personal information and are protected from unauthorized disclosure. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently under consideration in committee for further review and potential amendments before being voted on.