All official NCVHS documents including meeting transcripts are posted on the NCVHS website (http://www.ncvhs.hhs.gov/lastmntr.htm)
National Center for Health Statistics
Hyattsville, MD
The National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics Subcommittee on Privacy and Confidentiality was convened on January 23, 2007 in Hyattsville, MD. The meeting was open to the public.
All official NCVHS documents are posted on the NCVHS website.
Present
Committee Members
Absent
Staff and Liaisons
Others
ACTIONS
Action Steps
Mr. Rothstein proposed the preparation of two Subcommittee letters (intended for the Secretary of HHS) to be reviewed in the full Committee June 2007 meeting:
Mr. Rothstein also suggested that the Subcommittee consider hearings for the September meeting of NCVHS. In particular, he mentioned an examination of psychotherapy notes, which are not subject to disclosure of HIPAA privacy. Dr. Francis suggested gathering information about privacy considerations during a pandemic or associated with pre-pandemic planning.
Some Subcommittee members suggested that OCR consider the creation of FAQs or guidance documents as a matter of business practice, in response to the many complaints received (at least 22,000 to date) about HIPAA from across the country. With Susan McAndrew's help, one 2007 Subcommittee gathering could focus on better use of complaint information by OCR. Ms. Bernstein will coordinate this meeting. It was suggested that discussion about the difference between adverse events and near misses also be included.
Several Subcommittee members requested a meeting with a survey expert from NCHS to discuss what could be added to surveys about how HIPAA is working in the field.
Dr. Cohn suggested one more session between now and the full Committee 2007 June meeting to update information about the rapidly revolving issue of non-covered entities.
Mr. Reynolds suggested the development of a diagram to illustrate how privacy is working at a realistic level where data resides within the NHIN.
To summarize, 2007 Subcommittee discussion topics include:
Topics and Presenters
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Privacy Protections for Medical Records of Non-Covered Entities
Panel I
Non-Covered Health Data Benefits and Services
Panel II
Non-Covered Health Providers
Panel III
Scope of HHS Authorities
Public Statements
Committee Proposal
Discussion of Annual HIPAA Report
Subcommittee Discussion of Strategy and Next Steps
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. See official transcript for full Subcommittee discussion.