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Publication Date: June 2010
Publisher: Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Author(s): Chris Koyanagi
Research Area: Health
Keywords: privacy; health records; electronic health records
Type: Testimony
Abstract:
Bazelon Center’s views on how electronic health records can protect patient privacy. Lack of communication among providers treating people with serious mental illnesses is a serious problem, especially given the high co-morbidity of other serious and chronic illnesses (diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer). However, in light of the stigma and discriminatory practices still attached to mental illnesses, fully open sharing of mental health information may not be the way to optimize communication or appropriate treatment of mental disorders. In fact, it may simply raise a consumer’s fear of disclosure and lead to withholding of information or failure to seek treatment. Public policy should ensure that fear of a breach of their record’s privacy not deter consumers from seeking the treatment that they need and that consumers are able to make informed choices about how their personal information is shared to improve their health outcomes.