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Patient Confidentiality Bill Making Way Through Mass. Statehouse

BOSTON (AP) — A bill aimed at strengthening patient confidentiality is making its way through the Statehouse.

The bill would ensure that confidential health care information isn't shared with anyone other than the patient when multiple people are on the same insurance plan.

It received a favorable report from the Financial Services Committee this week.

Sen. Jamie Eldridge, co-chairman of the committee, says the bill is particularly important given that more young people are obtaining health insurance through their parents under President Obama's health care law.

The Acton Democrat says the state must be vigilant in making sure that all patients' health information remains confidential.

Democratic Sen. Karen Spilka says victims of abuse and minors are often reluctant to seek certain types of treatment, fearing that their abuser or parent will learn details.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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