At a time where there is a big push towards moving medical records and other related documents to an electronic system, some people have become increasingly concerned about privacy.

To help ameliorate concerns and reduce risks, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created more rules, which will include stronger security when third parties handle health data.

The new rule is intended to broaden a person's right to obtain their own information and bar the sale of patient information without consent.

"The benefits of health IT can only be fully realized if patients and providers are confident that electronic health information is kept private and secure at all times," said HSS Office for Civil Rights director Georgina Verdugo. "This proposed rule strengthens the privacy and security of health information, and is an integral piece of the administration's efforts to broaden the use of health information technology in health care today."

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 established restrictions on who can access a person's medical records to help keep such information private and confidential. Most health care providers are required by law to follow the rules.