Final answer:
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology defines a Personal Health Record (PHR) as an electronic tool for individuals to access, manage, and share their health data securely. Policies around PHRs must address the privacy of health records, costs, and quality of care, within the framework of laws like HIPAA and GINA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) defines a Personal Health Record (PHR) as an electronic application through which individuals can access, manage, and share their health information in a private, secure, and confidential environment. The use of PHRs is considered an important tool in the quest to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs. However, to ensure the successful adoption of PHRs, legal and ethical considerations must be taken into account. One of the paramount concerns is the protection of personal health information.
Key legislation such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) play a critical role in safeguarding patient data. HIPAA sets standards for patient privacy and the confidentiality of health records, while GINA prevents discrimination based on genetic information in health insurance and employment. These laws create a framework within which PHR systems must operate to ensure patient privacy and trust.