Public Policy Bulletin

A weekly update on various policy news items brought to you by Genetic Alliance.
Edited by: Andria Cornell, Malia McPherson, and Sharon F. Terry

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This week's bulletin

July 15

Genetics Day on the Hill 2008 A Success!
 
On Thursday, July 10, the largest group of Genetics Day participants in three years came together on behalf of the genetics community to visit Congressional offices. Together, we worked for the transformation of health through genetics. We thanked the champions of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and educated staff members. Genetics Day participants discussed the implications of GINA and laid the groundwork for addressing concerns in genetic testing oversight and health information technology, among other topics. We look forward to following up with each of the visited offices, building upon previous relationships, and forging new partnerships. Thank you to all who participated in this empowering event and contributed to its incredible success!
 
Learn more about Genetics Day on the Hill.

Congress Seeks Progress on Health IT Bills
 
Representative Joe Barton (R-TX) stated on Thursday, July 10 that House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders plan to bring the Dingell-Barton health information technology (IT) bill, otherwise known as the PRO(TECH)T Act, to a vote by August. The bill places a significant emphasis on privacy in order to address the confidentiality concerns that have derailed previous health IT legislation.

In the Senate, Democratic and Republican aides have suggested that Senator Edward Kennedy’s (D-MA) Wired for Health Care Quality Act may move forward soon. This health IT legislation faced criticism from Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) and other Republicans concerning its $137 million authorization level. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) also stated that she would like to see provisions requiring authorities to be notified in case of breaches to patient data and fines for those who mishandle the information. Kennedy’s office indicated that both these issues must be addressed before the bill can progress.

More information.

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