Congressman Bentz Introduces Legislation to Centralize Federal Health Data Access
U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz of Oregon's 2nd Congressional District has introduced the Public Access to HHS Health Data Act (H.R. 10616). This legislation, introduced on September 28, aims to mandate the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consolidate its publicly available datasets onto a single, centralized website. According to Bentz's office, HHS currently maintains tens of thousands of datasets spread across numerous websites, making it challenging for individuals to locate crucial healthcare information. The proposed bill would also require HHS to provide Congress with reports detailing the number and types of datasets made accessible, their update frequency, and any obstacles preventing the publication of additional information. Congressman Bentz emphasized that improved access to data is essential for enhancing the healthcare system, stating that his act would help various groups quickly access vital information. This initiative focuses on public access to de-identified health ...
