Poster
04-04-2005, 02:23 PM
The American Psychological Association (APA) has expressed safety concerns for the privacy of the National Health Information Network (NHIN) at a subcommittee hearing. The Subcommittee on Privacy and Confidentiality of the National Committee on Vital Health Statistics makes recommendations to HHS on what security concerns are necessary to implement the network. The APA wants to make sure that individuals know who will be accessing their records as well as any security breech concerns.
“We believe that a National Health Information Network (NHIN) has the potential to improve the quality of health care provided in this country, allowing instant access to critical health information at any point of care," said Newman. "At the same time, however, we are extremely concerned about issues of privacy and confidentiality, particularly with mental health records, raised by this proposed increase in accessibility of health information."
"Most people understand that mental health records are particularly sensitive because they may contain a patient's innermost personal information. Many also are aware that, unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental illness and mental health treatment makes the records of that treatment especially sensitive. Any breach of privacy could be devastating to the patient. Unlike most other areas of health care, the mere possibility that confidential information might be disclosed prevents successful treatment from occurring by interfering with the development of the necessary trusting psychotherapy relationship and open communication with the therapist."
For more information see: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050331/dcth063.html?.v=4
“We believe that a National Health Information Network (NHIN) has the potential to improve the quality of health care provided in this country, allowing instant access to critical health information at any point of care," said Newman. "At the same time, however, we are extremely concerned about issues of privacy and confidentiality, particularly with mental health records, raised by this proposed increase in accessibility of health information."
"Most people understand that mental health records are particularly sensitive because they may contain a patient's innermost personal information. Many also are aware that, unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental illness and mental health treatment makes the records of that treatment especially sensitive. Any breach of privacy could be devastating to the patient. Unlike most other areas of health care, the mere possibility that confidential information might be disclosed prevents successful treatment from occurring by interfering with the development of the necessary trusting psychotherapy relationship and open communication with the therapist."
For more information see: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050331/dcth063.html?.v=4