Privacy Act Amendments of 1979

Summary

Privacy Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to require medical service providers to permit individuals to inspect and copy their medical records. Provides for the correction of records at the individual's request. Prohibits disclosure of an individual's name or medical records without such individual's authorization. Permits disclosure of medical records without the individual's authorization in specified circumstances, including employee use, audit and evaluation, statutory requirements, law enforcement functions, parents of minors, health research, and judicial and administrative proceedings. Sets forth limits on disclosures in such circumstances. Authorizes governmental authorities to obtain medical records pursuant to a summons, subpoena, search warrant, or a written request. Requires the individual to be notified of such disclosure. Sets forth the procedure for an individual to challenge such a request. Permits the disclosure of medical records: (1) that are not individually identifiable; (2) in proceedings in which governmental authorities and the individual or medical service provider are parties; (3) in a General Accounting Office investigation of a governmental authority; (4) for intelligence purposes; or (5) in emergency situations. Requires the service provider to notify the individual when medical records are disclosed without such individual's authorization. Requires a warning against unauthorized disclosure to be placed on all written disclosures of medical information. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of the disclosure provisions. Stipulates limits on the use of medical information by grand juries. Requires annual reports by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to the appropriate committees of Congress concerning individual challenges of medical record disclosures.

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Timeline

1. 1 March 1979

   Introduced

   Referred to Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 1 March 1979

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 10 September 1980

   Reported

   Reported to Senate from the Committee on Governmental Affairs with amendment, S. Rept. 96-935.

   Source: Committee

4. 10 September 1980

   Reported

   Reported to Senate from the Committee on Governmental Affairs with amendment, S. Rept. 96-935.

   Source: Committee

Votes

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Versions

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 10 September 1980

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 1 March 1979

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Javits, Jacob K. [R-NY] · R · Sponsor
• Sen. Ribicoff, Abraham A. [D-CT] · D · Cosponsor
• Rep. Cohen, William S. [R-ME-2] · R · Cosponsor
• Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI] · D · Cosponsor
• Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] · R · Cosponsor
• Sen. Sasser, Jim [D-TN] · D · Cosponsor
• Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY] · D · Cosponsor
• Sen. Bradley, Bill [D-NJ] · D · Cosponsor
• Sen. Percy, Charles H. [R-IL] · R · Cosponsor
• Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN] · R · Cosponsor
• · ssga00 · Standing
• · ssju00 · Standing

Related records

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