U.S. Congress Legislation to Protect Health Data

In a recent press release, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that they introduced new legislation to protect consumers’ private health data. “While recent reports have highlighted how home DNA testing kits and health data tracking apps have given companies access to unprecedented levels of consumer health data, current law does not adequately address the emerging privacy concerns presented by these new technologies.”  The Protecting Personal Health Data Act purports to address these health privacy concerns by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations for new health technologies such as health apps, wearable devices like Fitbits, and direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits that are not regulated by existing laws.

“New technologies have made it easier for people to monitor their own health, but health tracking apps and home DNA testing kits have also given companies access to personal, private data with limited oversight,” Klobuchar said.  “This legislation will protect consumers’ personal health data by requiring that regulations be issued by the federal agencies that have the expertise to keep up with advances in technology.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The Regulatory Mix Today:  U.S. Congress Legislation to Protect Health Data, FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel Podcast

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Rosenworcel Podcast

FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel announced the release of another episode of Broadband Conversations, the podcast uplifting the voices of women from the innovation, technology, and media sectors.  The newest episode features Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. Rosenworcel said: “It was an honor to speak with Attorney General Maura Healey. Listeners will hear her describe her background, her work as ‘the people’s lawyer,’ and why she joined the fight to protect net neutrality. Together, we share a commitment to an open internet. There is no part of our civic or commercial life that has not been touched by the internet, and as Attorney General Healey said it on the episode—the last thing we need is a slower, more expensive, restricted internet.”

____________________________

The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.