Health Data and personal employee benefit information is much too sensitive to distribute via public shared networks such as the Internet. There is new important Federal Law which places data security requirements on health care providers and employers.

Health Data Privacy -- Recommendations developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for health data privacy are currently undergoing review by the Office of Management and Budget. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires Congress to enact privacy-protection legislation by August 1999. If Congress does not act, HIPAA authorizes HHS to implement its own recommended regulations governing all health plans. HHS Secretary Donna Shalala has said that any regulations should focus on the following principles: health information will be used for health care purposes only; information will be safeguarded; and individuals have the right to see their records, learn who has access to them, determine their accuracy, and correct any mistakes.