The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent events have emphasized a heightened scrutiny and strengthened enforcement towards health app companies that collect or use consumer health data. Such actions demand attention from these firms to stay in tune with this steadily changing environment. In September 2021, the FTC released a statement requiring health app companies that obtain or utilize consumers’ medical data to comply with the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR).
This heightened scrutiny comes amidst the increasing use of health apps and platforms. The majority of these app companies handle sensitive health information, thus making compliance with data protection regulatory standards, including the HBNR, imperative. The FTC has made clear that companies failing to meet these standards may face robust enforcement actions.
In light of these developments, there is a webinar scheduled for September 26th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am PT. It is intended to bring more light into the FTC’s heightened scrutiny of health apps, the surge in enforcement activity, and insight into the proposed HBNR changes. This event would be beneficial for health app companies and legal professionals working in this area who seek to stay updated on these rapidly-evolving regulatory issues.
Law firms and corporations with a stake in the health tech sector will do well to keep a close watch on the FTC’s stance and the evolving regulatory landscape. It is crucial for these companies to meet compliance requirements and maintain their reputations in this high-stakes industry, which has become even more significant in the ongoing pandemic.