MPs have rubber-stamped a last-minute amendment to a law that could have seen people jailed if they failed to provide health data to officials.

The Bermuda Health Council Amendment Act 2024 was passed in the House of Assembly at the beginning of May.

Under the new law, health providers were obligated to hand over patient data to the Bermuda Health Council, with noncompliance resulting in a possible prison sentence.

By the time the Senate sat to debate and approve the Act on Wednesday, the Government had been forced to backtrack on the controversial prison clause.

Earlier this month, Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “We have actively listened to the concerns that they have raised and the suggestions raised since the passing of the Bill in the House of Assembly from all sides and in the spirit of collaboration, the Government will amend the Bill in the Senate following representations made by legislators, members of the public and some of our healthcare providers.”

The redrafted Act — with the prison threat removed — was passed during Wednesday’s Senate session, and senators then returned it to the House “requesting the concurrence” of MPs to approve the change.

Yesterday, Susan Jackson, the Shadow Minister of Health, asked Ms Wilson why the Government had decided to make the amendment.

Ms Wilson replied: “We felt that with respect to this notwithstanding the importance of data collection for Bermuda as it relates to our long-anticipated pursuit of universal health coverage, we did understand from members of the public as well as our stakeholder physician community.

“We’ve actively listened to their concerns and as such we have proposed an amendment in the Senate and we are hoping that it will be ratified as such here.”

The Opposition’s Craig Cannonier asked if the amendment suggested that the Government had failed to consult health professionals when first drafting the Bill.

Ms Wilson replied: “The rationale and sentiment behind it was offered in the Senate. It was approved and I’m asking for the concurrence of this honourable House.”

The amendment was approved without further debate.