Unfortunately, I am home sick as I write this. It makes me reflect on both the benefits and the risks of centralization of medical data. Maine has a new statewide database of health records covering more than 50% of Maine's population. (Do you know whether you're in or out of the system? Chances are you may be in and not even know it.) It's called HealthInfonet, and it will certainly improve coordination of care for many patients. If I get hit by a bus in Bangor someday, I want the emergency room to know about my asthma and my allergies. However, as I shared with Maine Public Radio yesterday, it's not a question of if a database will be breached, but when and to what consequence. From Hannaford to Bank of America to the Veteran's Administration, the most sophisticated and least sophisticated electronic data systems are breached seemingly every day despite the latest encryption and security standards. Some patients may not want to be included in a statewide database for that very reason. Unfortunately, certain sensitive health conditions still carry stigma and discrimination. That's why we think it's so important that HealthInfoNet be a voluntary, opt-in system allowing for informed patient consent. On April 26th, the legislature will hold a hearing on whether HealthInfoNet should be opt out, as it currently is, or opt in as is the law in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Vermont. It's an important question. The ACLU of MAINE supports LD 1337, sponsored by Senator Roger Katz (R-Augusta), which would ensure patient choice and control. You can hear both sides debate the question from the ACLU of MAINE's press conference yesterday on Maine Public Radio here.
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