Doris Matsui: “I believe the Dingell-Rangel substitute offers Members a far better choice than the underlying bill. This substitute is…”

“I believe the Dingell-Rangel substitute offers Members a far better choice than the underlying bill. This substitute is based on the bipartisan bill that was introduced by Senators Frist, Enzi, Kennedy and Clinton and passed unanimously by the Senate last November. This substitute also contains important privacy protections necessary in this new electronic world. The Democratic substitute requires the Federal Government to take a leading role in the adoption of standards for technology and adopting technology that will permit providers and others to communicate to each other electronically. This substitute will provide $257 million in grants and loans for providers and regional collaboratives to buy and implement health information technology. This substitute also provides privacy protections beyond those in current law to ensure that patients' health information is secure. It requires that all individuals and entities with access to personal health information must comply with privacy protections to maintain patient confidentiality. The substitute also requires data encryption to prevent security breaches and the notification of patients in case of a security breach. Finally, it allows patients to seek redress when their privacy is breached. I want Members to be aware that a ``no'' vote will not stop us from considering H.R. 4157. A ``no'' vote will simply allow the Dingell- Rangel substitute to be considered by this House by an up-or-down vote.…”