LD 1884
pg. 2
Page 1 of 3 An Act To Strengthen the Enforcement Provisions of the Maine Health Data Organi... Page 3 of 3
Download Bill Text
LR 2728
Item 1

 
2-A.__Unauthorized use or disclosure of individually
identifiable data.__A person__or entity that receives data or
information under the terms and conditions of section 8707 and
intentionally and knowingly uses, sells or transfers the data in
violation of the board's rules for commercial advantage,
pecuniary gain, personal gain or malicious harm commits a civil
violation for which a fine not to exceed $250,000 may be
adjudged.

 
3.__Enforcement action.__Upon a finding that a person or
entity has failed to comply with the requirements of this
chapter, including the payment of a fine determined under this
section, the board may:

 
A.__File a complaint with the licensing board of the
provider, seeking disciplinary action against the provider;

 
A-1.__File a complaint with the Department of Professional
and Financial Regulation, Bureau of Insurance, seeking
disciplinary action against the payor; or

 
B.__File a complaint with the Superior Court in the county
in which the person resides or the entity is located or in
Kennebec County, seeking an order to require that person or
entity to comply with the requirements of this chapter,
enforcement of a fine determined under this section or for
other relief from the court.

 
4.__Injunctive relief.__In the event of any violation of this
chapter or any rule pursuant to this chapter, the Attorney
General may seek to enjoin a further violation in addition to any
other remedy provided by this chapter.

 
SUMMARY

 
The purpose of this bill is to strengthen the enforcement
provisions of the Maine Health Data Organization statutes that
are outdated or inconsistent with other sections of the Maine
Revised Statutes, Title 22, chapter 1683. The bill provides that
persons who intentionally or knowingly engage in the unauthorized
misuse of individually identifiable health information or data
obtained from the organization are subject to civil fines up to
$250,000, an amount that is commensurate with the provisions of
the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
of 1996 for the knowing wrongful disclosure of individually
identifiable health information. This bill would also allow the
organization to file a complaint with the Department of
Professional and Financial Regulation, Bureau of Insurance
seeking disciplinary action against any payor who violates the
provisions of Title 22, chapter 1683. Furthermore, the Attorney


Page 1 of 3 Top of Page Page 3 of 3