Protecting Privacy in Computerized Medical Information

The Office of Technology Assessment has previously done studies on the confidentiality and integrity of data and information in general that is processed and transmitted using communications and computer technology, finding that Americans believe privacy is a significant and enduring value. The objectives of the 1993 Report are stated as:

• examine the technology enabling the computerization and networking of medical information,
• identify privacy issues arising from computerization,
• examine the law dealing with privacy in medical information,
• examine models and rules to protect privacy, and determine whether new technologies can ensure privacy in the area of medical records.

The Office of Technology Assessment conducted the project by obtaining expert opinion through interviews, correspondence and two public workshops (at which CPRI and several of its member organizations were represented). The Report describes the issue of protection for privacy in health care information and especially in computerization of medical records. It covers an extensive discussion of the right to privacy in health care information, includes a comprehensive summary of technical issues relating to computerization of health care information, provides and overview of Fair Information Practices and the Privacy Act and proposes features of health care privacy legislation. Two appendices include selected topics in computer security and model codes for protection of health care information. This report was published in September 1993 and is available from the Government Printing Office (Tel. 202-783-3238) for $10.00. (US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, Protecting Privacy in Computerized Medical Information, OTA-TCT-576)