Statement by AARP Director of Government Affairs David Sloane on House Health IT Legislation

Source: AARP Press Center | July 27, 2006

AARP Director of Government Affairs David Sloane made the following statement on the Health Information Technology Promotion Act (H.R. 4157).

AARP is pleased to see the House pass legislation promoting health information technology (IT). IT has enormous potential to improve quality and lower costs. With similar legislation passed in the Senate, AARP urges enactment this year.

AARP is troubled, however, that privacy concerns could seriously undermine Health IT legislation. Fear of data breaches and misuse could cause patients to withhold information or forgo treatment. Patients need to be able to control and review how their personal information is shared. They also need to be notified and afforded recourse if their privacy is breached. Congress needs to act soon to give patients the privacy protections they need and deserve if it is truly serious about Health IT.