The agency wants to give clarity to the Health Breach Notification Rule.
Because of the prevalence of apps and connected devices transferring health data, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering clarity on the Health Breach Notification Rule.
According to a statement from the agency, the rule ensures that entities not covered by the Health insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) still face consequences when health data is compromised. It requires vendors of personal health records (PHR) and PHR-related entities must notify consumers and the FTC, and possibly the media, if unsecured identifiable health information is breached or face civil penalties. It also covers these entities’ service providers.
Simply put, the statement says those entities covered by the rule which have experienced breaches cannot hide this from the consumers who have trusted them with sensitive health information.
Issued more than a decade ago, the rule’s requirements with respect to health apps and connected devices are more important than ever with the explosion in their use. While the FTC has advised mobile health app to examine their obligations under the rule, the agency has never enforced it and many entities appear to misunderstand its requirements, according to the statement.
The statement goes on to explain that the rule is triggered when a vendor of PHR with individually identifiable health information created or received by a healthcare provider experiences a breach of security. These breaches are not limited to cybersecurity intrusions or nefarious actions. Incidents of unauthorized access, including sharing of covered information without the individual’s consent, triggers the notification obligation of the rule.
Cybersecurity concerns
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the cybersecurity gaps of many healthcare organizations and saw an increase in attacks from bad actors.
Some tips to keep your practice safe include:
Unraveling preeclampsia: Insights into heterogeneity and intravascular inflammation
April 22nd 2024A recent study delved into the intricate clusters of term preeclampsia, shedding light on its diverse manifestations and the pivotal role of intravascular inflammation, paving the way for improved classification and management strategies.
Read More
Personalized opioid protocol for cesarean deliveries: Reduced prescriptions reported
April 19th 2024A recent suggests that implementing a personalized opioid prescription protocol significantly reduces total morphine milligram equivalents and the number of opioid tablets prescribed at discharge following cesarean delivery.
Read More
Long-term mortality risks for women with adverse pregnancy outcomes
April 19th 2024A recent study revealed that women who experience major adverse pregnancy outcomes face heightened long-term mortality risks, shedding light on the need for comprehensive understanding and preventative measures in women's health.
Read More