Representative Lesser Meets with Members of Biden Administration to Discuss New Reproductive Health Privacy Regulations

August 2nd, 2024

Representative Lesser Meets with Members of Biden Administration to Discuss New Reproductive Health Privacy Regulations

SALT LAKE CITY– On August 1, 2024, Representative Rosemary Lesser joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for a briefing on the HIPAA Privacy Rule to support reproductive health care privacy. The briefing covered updates to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Esteemed members from the Biden Administration, including Andrea Oliver, Regional Manager of OCR, and Lily Griego, Regional Director of HHS, were in attendance.

In a landmark move to bolster reproductive health care and uphold patient privacy, the HIPAA Privacy Rule has been amended to prohibit the use or disclosure of protected health information for investigating or penalizing individuals seeking lawful reproductive health services. Simultaneously, significant changes have been made to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, broadening the scope of entities subject to its provisions and introducing robust measures against discrimination in the use of artificial intelligence and telehealth. These amendments also reinforce protections against sex-based discrimination, explicitly including sexual orientation.

Additionally, modifications to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act have been enacted to ensure that medical treatment decisions are free from stereotypes about individuals with disabilities, mandating accessible medical equipment, and accessible web and mobile applications. These comprehensive reforms underscore our unwavering commitment to equitable and inclusive health care for all.

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Department of HHS and OCR for their continued efforts to ensure that Utahns are able to increase access to healthcare without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability. The Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to obtaining equitable and accessible care and treatment is commendable. As a medical provider, I’m keenly aware that the changes to these rules can make a positive difference for Utahns seeking medical treatment.”

###