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SAFER Health Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 459

Bill 118 HR 459, also known as the SAFER Health Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of improving healthcare safety and quality across the country. The bill focuses on several key areas, including patient safety, healthcare workforce training, and healthcare facility infrastructure.

One of the main provisions of the SAFER Health Act is the establishment of a national patient safety reporting system. This system would allow healthcare providers to report adverse events and near misses, which can then be analyzed to identify trends and prevent future incidents. By promoting transparency and accountability in healthcare settings, the bill aims to reduce medical errors and improve patient outcomes.

In addition to enhancing patient safety, the SAFER Health Act also seeks to improve the training and education of healthcare workers. The bill includes provisions for increasing funding for healthcare workforce development programs, as well as implementing new training requirements for healthcare professionals. By investing in the skills and knowledge of the healthcare workforce, the bill aims to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care. Furthermore, the SAFER Health Act addresses the need for modernizing healthcare facilities and infrastructure. The bill includes provisions for funding the renovation and construction of healthcare facilities, as well as promoting the use of technology to improve patient care. By investing in infrastructure improvements, the bill aims to create a safer and more efficient healthcare system for all Americans. Overall, the SAFER Health Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to enhance healthcare safety and quality in the United States. By focusing on patient safety, healthcare workforce training, and infrastructure improvements, the bill seeks to create a healthcare system that is safer, more efficient, and better equipped to meet the needs of all Americans.

Congressional Summary of HR 459

Secure Access for Essential Reproductive Health Act of 2023 or the SAFER Health Act of 2023

This bill prohibits health care providers and insurance plans from disclosing in a legal proceeding an individual's personal health information related to an abortion or pregnancy without the individual's valid authorization.

The prohibition applies to federal, state, local, and tribal proceedings, including civil, criminal, administrative, and legislative proceedings. The bill provides limited exceptions such as if the information is necessary to investigate physical harm to the individual.

Further, the Department of Health and Human Services must conduct an outreach campaign to inform covered entities and the public about the prohibition.

Current Status of Bill HR 459

Bill HR 459 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 24, 2023. Bill HR 459 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 24, 2023.  Bill HR 459's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of February 3, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 459

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 459

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Abortion
- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Computers and information technology
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Federal preemption
- Health care costs and insurance
- Health information and medical records
- Health personnel
- Right of privacy
- Sex and reproductive health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 459

SAFER Health Act of 2023
SAFER Health Act of 2023
Secure Access For Essential Reproductive Health Act of 2023
To ensure the privacy of pregnancy termination or loss information under the HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.

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