[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[April 12, 2001]
[Page 401]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Federal Regulations on Privacy of Medical Records
April 12, 2001

    Today I directed Secretary Thompson to 
allow a Federal rule that will protect the privacy of medical 
information for millions of Americans to become effective. For the first 
time, patients will have full access to their medical records and more 
control over how their personal information will be used and disclosed. 
The rule also provides a clear avenue of recourse for those Americans 
whose medical privacy has been compromised.
    This rule will help address patients' growing concerns regarding 
medical privacy. Although impressive advances in medicine and 
information technology have helped make America's health care system the 
best in the world, our new technologies have at times made it more 
difficult to protect personal medical information. I believe that we 
must protect both vital health care services and the right of every 
American to have confidence that his or her personal medical records 
will remain private.
    I recognize that legitimate concerns have been raised about the 
current rule, which I share, such as parents' concern that the rule 
limits their right to have access to their children's medical records. I 
have asked Secretary Thompson to recommend appropriate modifications to 
the rule to address these concerns and to ensure that patients receive 
the highest quality of health care. Improving our health care system 
while protecting the confidentiality of patient records will continue to 
be an important goal of my administration.