Privacy Act Amendments

Privacy Act Amendments - Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to declare the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) define the circumstances under which confidential medical information of an individual will be available, and to whom; (2) provide procedures to allow individuals access to such records; (3) balance the privacy of the individual with the legitimate need of certain governmental and private organizations' access to confidential medical information.

Provides that no person subject to this Act may release any confidential medical information without the authorization of the patient.

Defines for purposes of this Act: (1) confidential information as any medical information individually identifiable transferred to a patient's service provider or placed in a patient's medical dossier; and (2) service provider as certain non-Federal medical facilities receiving medicare or medicaid funds.

Requires a service provider to notify a patient of any disclosures under this Act that may be made without such patient's authorization.

Authorizes an individual over 12 years of age (or the parents or legal guardian of a minor under 12 years of age) to consent to the release of confidential medical information. Requires such consent to: (1) be written and signed by the individual; (2) be specific as to the information to be disclosed, who may disclose it, and to whom; (3) be specific as to the use of such information; and (4) be specific as to expiration date. Provides that such consent may be withdrawn at any time by the individual.

Authorizes disclosure of confidential medical information without an individual's authorization in specified situations.

Provides that prescriptions for drugs shall be considered confidential medical information for purposes of this Act. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit State or Federal authority to monitor the handling and dispensing of prescription drugs.

Requires all written disclosures of confidential medical information to contain a statement setting forth the statutory authorization for disclosure.

Provides for civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act.

Provides for an individual's access to his medical records.