PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Hearings held.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 17, 1997
Patient Right to Know Act - Prohibits any contract or agreement, or the operation of any contract or agreement, between an entity operating a health plan (including any partnership, association, or other organization that enters into or administers such a contract or agreement) and a health care provider (or group of health care providers) from prohibiting or restricting the provider from engaging in medical communications with his or her patient. Requires that each State shall enforce this Act with respect to health insurance issuers that sell, renew, or offer health plans in the State. Provides for enforcement of this Act by the Secretary of Health and Human Services if the Secretary, after consultation with the chief executive officer of a State and the insurance commissioner or chief insurance regulatory official of the State, determines that the State has failed to substantially enforce the requirements. Mandates a civil money penalty. Allows State requirements equal to or more protective of medical communications than the requirements of this Act. Defines "medical communication" as being a communication between a provider and a patient (or the patient's guardian or legal representative) regarding the patient's health status, medical care, or legal treatment options.
People & committees
Sen. Kyl, Jon [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Hearings held.
Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Hearings held.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2484-2485)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2357-2358)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.449 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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