The My Health My Data Act, a sweeping health privacy law enacted in Washington state, is slated to take effect next week, per a report from Bloomberg.
This enactment, a response to the US Supreme Court’s decision regarding federal rights to abortion, presents businesses dealing with health-related data with new enforcement risks and potential litigation. The law seems to introduce significant health information privacy protections for Washington residents, arguably some of the most expansive in the nation.
Industry insiders have voiced concerns that businesses – including many that may not have seen themselves as involved with health data in the past – could find themselves facing a wave of pricey legal action over supposed violations.
Under the new law, Washington state enforces targeted advertising and enables private action. Individuals could potentially receive damages worth up to $25,000 per person for each violation.
For more information, click here to read the Bloomberg article authored by Skye Witley and Tonya Riley.