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H.R.6898 / 110th Congress

Health-e Information Technology Act of 2008

Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 15, 2008

Health-e Information Technology Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; and (2) an HIT Advisory Committee.

Requires the National Coordinator to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center and to recommend health information technology standards for adoption by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Directs agencies to utilize, where available, health information technology systems and products that meet adopted standards.

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Requires the Director of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) to test adopted standards to assure the efficient implementation and use of such standards.

Amends XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for incentive payments to physicians and inpatient hospitals that meaningfully use a certified health information technology system.

Authorizes the National Coordinator to award grants to purchase qualified health information technology and to implement regional or local health information plans.

Provides for grants to develop academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology in the clinical education of health professionals.

Revises provisions governing the privacy and security of health information, including to: (1) extend requirements to business associates of a covered entity; (2) require notification in the event of a breach of protected health information; (3) limit disclosure of such information to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose; and (4) revise penalties for violations.

Requires the Secretary to appoint a Chief Privacy Officer of the Office of National Coordinator to assist in carrying out duties related to the privacy and security of health information.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13] · D–CA

Committees

  • Science, Space, and Technology Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Ways and Means Committee
9 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  7. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1790)

  8. Introduced in House

  9. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.6898 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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