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SENATE 81117th CongressResolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2494; text: 3/1/2021 CR S958-959)

A resolution honoring Las Damas de Blanco, a women-led nonviolent movement in support of freedom and human rights in Cuba, and calling for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba.

Last Action
5/12/2021

Actions

  • 2021-01-28Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • 2021-01-28Introduced in Senate

CRS Summary

As of 2021-01-28 (00)

Public Health Emergency Privacy Act

This bill imposes privacy, confidentiality, and security requirements on the use and disclosure of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency health data. This is data that is linked to an individual or device, such as test results.

The requirements apply to organizations that collect, use, or disclose emergency health data electronically or that manage websites or applications for contact tracing and other COVID-19 response activities.

These organizations must provide notice of privacy and other policies. They must also ensure the accuracy of, prevent discrimination based on, and limit disclosure of the data. If an organization collects data from at least 100,000 individuals, it must publicly report additional information about how it uses and discloses the data.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the use of emergency health data for commercial advertising or in ways that restrict access to opportunities, services, and other accommodations.

It also prohibits government entities and organizations from using this data to infringe on the right to vote. The Department of Health and Human Services must report on the civil rights impact of the collection, use, and disclosure of health data.

The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission, states, and a private right of action. It further specifies that certain dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration, are unenforceable with respect to disputes arising under the bill.

Cosponsors (11)

  • Mark Warner (D-VA)
  • Edward Markey (D-MA)
  • Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
  • Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
  • Cory Booker (D-NJ)
  • Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
  • Angus King (I-ME)
  • Michael Bennet (D-CO)
  • Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
  • Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
  • Richard Durbin (D-IL)

Subjects

  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
  • Business records
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory health
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Computer security and identity theft
  • Congressional oversight
  • Consumer credit
  • Disability and health-based discrimination
  • Emergency medical services and trauma care
  • Employment discrimination and employee rights
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • Genetics
  • Geography and mapping
  • Health information and medical records
  • Housing discrimination
  • Immigration status and procedures
  • Infectious and parasitic diseases
  • Marketing and advertising
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.