Committee narrows HB 897 to protect client health data for PBCI grantees
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Summary
Rep. Mandy Landry’s HB 897, prompted by a 2024 data breach, would require pregnancy centers receiving PBCI funds to provide privacy notices and limit disclosures of protected health information; the committee adopted amendments clarifying scope, enforcement, and a compliance pathway and reported the bill favorably with amendments.
Representative Mandy Landry introduced House Bill 897 to strengthen privacy protections for client health information at pregnancy centers following a 2024 data-breach incident tied to a training video. The author said HIPAA does not automatically apply to these centers when they do not bill Medicaid or insurance and that statutory protections and enforceable privacy notices are needed.
Committee members and center representatives agreed on the importance of confidentiality but debated scope. The author and staff revised the bill to clarify which entities must comply (initially the PBCI grantees) and to add amendments that (1) require a privacy notice, (2) allow required disclosures to DCFS as needed under the program, and (3) add a warning-and-fine enforcement mechanism. Advocates from pregnancy centers and Louisiana Right to Life said they support privacy protections but asked for clarifications about database disclosures and the interplay with existing DCFS contracts.
The committee adopted amendment set 3163, accepted a motion to narrow the statewide application language, and reported HB 897 favorably with amendments. Representative Landry said the goal was to ensure consistent confidentiality standards for grantees while preserving necessary reporting to DCFS and emergency disclosures.
