The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has withdrawn proposed final rules on medical privacy at the urging of the White House, The New York Times reports. Criticism that the rules were not strict enough led to further consideration. The rules indicate when doctors, hospitals and insurers need to notify patients about improper disclosure of medical information. HHS had proposed that patients did not have to be notified if a hospital or insurer believed the patient would not be harmed by a privacy breach.

To read the Times article, click here.