Brooks, Clarke Introduce Bill to Encourage Use of Mobile Apps for Health Records

Press Release

Congresswomen Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY09), both members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the Mobile Health Records Act.

The Mobile Health Records Act (MHRA) encourages Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to own their medical records through the use of innovative mobile applications. Through the MHRA, beneficiaries would have their health records and medical claims data. This includes medical conditions, detailed prescriptions and diagnoses, lists of tests and rendered services, and the contact and financial information for all of the providers seen by a particular patient.

"Accessing, transferring, and sharing your health care records in order to receive quality care shouldn't be a hassle," said Brooks. "Improving access to health records through apps on people's phones will make it easier for patients, wherever they are, to obtain their medical records with a tap of their finger in order to help them and their providers make informed health care decisions. Technological innovations have transformed the way we live our everyday lives, and I am proud to lead the effort to bring health care records into the 21st century with Congresswoman Clarke."

"I am proud to join Congresswoman Brooks in introducing H.R.1390, the Mobile Health Record Act (MHRA)," said Clarke. "This bill has the power to singlehandedly transform our health care system by placing a patient's health in the palm of their hand. The creation of innovative mobile apps will help improve American's health outcomes by empowering patients to take control of their health. With the passage of H.R. 1390, patients will be able to quickly access their personal medical history from anywhere in the world, while ensuring their personal information is protected."

BACKGOUND:

H.R.1390, the Mobile Health Record Act:

Builds on the work of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by establishing the Mobile Access to Personal Medical Information Program, creating a developer-friendly, standards-based application programming interface (API) that enables beneficiaries to take an active role in their health care decision making.
Under the Program, the Secretary shall also approve mobile applications for use by Medicare beneficiaries as well as educate Medicare beneficiaries about these mobile applications through existing tools such as MyMedicare.gov, regular mailed notices, and more).
Ensures CMS and other technical experts consider cybersecurity and data privacy guidelines and best practices when approving mobile health record technologies for use by Medicare beneficiaries.
Clarifies that states may use existing Medicaid federal funding to purchase or build mobile applications that allow Medicaid beneficiaries to access their medical claims data.

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