Groups endorse framework for PHR privacy, consumer control

A variety of technology companies, health care providers, insurers and consumer groups on June 25 endorsed a framework for increasing privacy and consumer control over online personal health records. Developed by Connecting for Health, a public-private collaborative led by the Markle Foundation, the framework identifies technology and policy approaches that help protect personal information and enhance consumer participation in online PHRs, the group said. Many new PHR services – like those offered by Google, Microsoft and WebMD – are not covered under the HIPAA privacy rule.

“This collaboration lays out specific practices that all PHRs and related services can use, whether they are covered by federal privacy rules or not, so they can enhance public trust,” said Steve Findlay, a health care analyst for Consumers Union.

[ via AHA News Now ]