TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator James Beach that would exempt personal health information shared during 9-1-1 calls from being included in government records cleared the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee today.
The bill, S-1903, would make confidential any part of 9-1-1 audio recordings or transcripts that disclose a person’s health status, medical conditions, health care services or treatments, medical history, genetic information or health insurance plan information by excluding it from the definition of a government record under the provisions of the Open Public Records Act.
“An individual’s private health information should not be considered a government record just because the information was disclosed during an emergency call,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “People have a right to privacy and this bill will reinforce that right.”
The bill was released from committee with a vote of 5-0, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.