FTC explains Health Breach Notification Rule

Article

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:

  • Protect your internet connection
  • Protect wi-fi hotspots
  • Protect your windows
  • Secure wi-fi access
  • Limit wi-fi access time
  • Use a VPN for remote access
  • Beware of your printer and copier
  • Always have a backup

This article was originally posted on Medical Economics®.

Recent Videos
Mirvie's RNA platform revolutionizes detection of fetal growth restriction | Image Credit: wexnermedical.osu.edu
How early genetic testing empowers parents and improves outcomes | Image Credit: tuftsmedicine.org
Dallas Reed highlights trends and barriers in prenatal genetic testing | Image Credit: tuftsmedicine.org
How maternal fetal medicine specialists improve outcomes for high-risk pregnancies | Image Credit: profiles.mountsinai.org
How the cobas liat assay panels improve STI detection | Image Credit: labqualityconfab.
Screening-to-diagnosis interval vital for gestational diabetes outcomes | Image Credit: ultracon2024.eventscribe.net
Henri M. Rosenberg, MD
Medical experts personalize contraceptive options for complex cases | Image Credit: findcare.ahn.org
Study explores the limits of neighborhood data in predicting preterm birth | Image Credit: linkedin.com
Barbed suture reduces blood loss in hysterectomy | Image Credit: linkedin.com
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.