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S 2005 104th Congress Senate

Patient Communications Protection Act of 1996

Official title: A bill to prohibit the restriction of certain types of medical communications between a health care provider and a patient.

Introduced: July 31, 1996 Introduced by: Wyden, Ron Democratic · Oregon See on congress.gov
Health AnestheticsChiropractic and chiropractorsCommunication in medicineFederal preemption
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Fines (Penalties)Government Operations and PoliticsHealth insuranceMedical recordsNursesPatients' rightsState laws
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This bill died when the 104th Congress ended
It never became law before the 104th Congress (1995–1996) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 31, 1996
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.
Jul 31, 1996
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9296)
Jul 31, 1996
Introduced in Senate
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 Latest action July 31, 1996

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Patient Communications Protection Act of 1996 - Prohibits an entity offering a health plan from prohibiting or restricting any communication by a health care provider with a patient regarding the patient's physical or mental condition or treatment options. Mandates a civil monetary penalty. Allows related State requirements only if they are more protective of such communications than the requirements of this Act.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 2005: Patient Communications Protection Act of 1996. 104th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/104-S-2005/
MLA
"S. 2005: Patient Communications Protection Act of 1996." 104th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/104-S-2005/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 2005, 104th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/104-S-2005/.
Markdown link
[S. 2005: Patient Communications Protection Act of 1996](https://openamerica.io/bill/104-S-2005/)
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