The joint efforts of The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) have culminated in a recent warning issued to an estimated 130 hospital systems and telehealth providers. According to an article by JDSupra, these bodies sent the warning letter during the summer of 2023. This report was brought forward by the law firm Venable LLP.
This joint warning by the FTC and the OCR is likely a proactive measure aligned with the growing concerns about privacy in the digital era. In particular, the use of ‘Online Tracking Technologies’, which can capture a vast array of personal data, raises significant legal and ethical questions.
In their role as regulatory bodies, both the FTC and OCR bear a vital responsibility in protecting consumers and maintaining ethical practices within these sectors. This recent action shows their commitment to preemptively addressing potential misuse of online tracking technologies within the healthcare sector, especially among telehealth providers and hospital systems.
Prominent legal professionals in large corporations and law firms would do well to heed these efforts by the FTC and OCR. The landscape of digital privacy law is evolving constantly – and with the potential for stringent repercussions in the case of negligence, staying abreast with developments is not just advisable, it’s practically a necessity.
This specific case serves as an exemplary reminder for legal professionals, particularly those specializing in digital privacy law or working within the healthcare sector. It underscores the urgency for a meticulous understanding of the application, implications and potential harm of technologies like ‘Online Tracking Technologies’ in today’s interconnected world.