Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007
Giving consumers more control over their healthcare

A market-driven approach
Diverse groups such as the Progressive Policy Institute and The Heritage Foundation are backing legislation that allows the creation of new players in the healthcare arena—independent health record trusts (IHRTs). These trusts would operate lifetime electronic health records for individuals, giving consumers a trusted place to store their health information.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. and U.S. Reps. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. and Dennis Moore, D-Kan., would establish health data trusts in which people could store electronic copies of their medical records. Under the bill, sponsored in the House, consumers would maintain ownership and control over their entire health record. A Senate bill introduction is also expected.

Access
Lifetime electronic health records will promote better continuity of care. Aggregated data also could be used for research. Health record trusts could sell non-identifiable health information for research.
• Consumers would authorize
• Profits would be tax free
• Trusts would comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Ownership
Health trusts offer revolutionary change by giving consumers ownership of their healthcare records. Currently, consumers manage their own bank accounts online, and they should demand to have the same power over their medical portfolios. The legislation empowers consumers to choose who may see their private information. It also allows for co-ownership rights over health data.

Privacy
Under the IHRT Act, the consumer’s health record would be as secure as money in the bank. Consumer-owned institutions would manage medical data much in the same way banks and credit card companies, manage financial data. In emergencies, healthcare providers could see a preauthorized limited data set from the account.