Privacy attorney David Holtzman of consultancy HITprivacy
Look for the Biden administration to put health data privacy and security on the front burner next year.
As attorney general for California, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Designate Xavier Becerra developed a track record as a proponent of consumer privacy initiatives. Most recently, his office developed and implemented the regulations for the roll-out of the California Consumer Privacy Act. He also took an active role in new laws addressing privacy and security aspects for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and testing companies.
Be on the lookout for action by the incoming HHS secretary to address the calls by some for stronger consumer privacy and security standards.
The 12 biggest health care stories of the year. (Theyâre not all about Covid-19.)
⋮
The new coronavirus dominated news headlines this year. But what were the biggest health care stories of the year? Advisory Board experts round up their top picks for the year including three that are not related to Covid-19. Vice President, Life Sciences and Ecosystem Research
It s hard to think of a bigger story of 2020 than the coronavirus vaccine. With the entire world watching, pharmaceutical companies revolutionized the vaccine development process, and less than a year later we have not one but two authorized vaccine s that demonstrated well over 90% efficacy in Phase III trials. This can only be described as a remarkable scientific achievement.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Cheriss May/Getty Images)
Among the more than 5,500 pages of the coronavirus relief bill passed by Congress this week were a number of provisions aimed at expanding broadband and telehealth services, as well as addressing the needs of rural hospitals.
The wide-ranging bill was still embroiled in controversy by Wednesday, with President Donald Trump pushing for more stimulus money for individuals and some members of Congress, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) saying they hadn t had time to read the mammoth legislation.
Digital health advocates also expressed mixed feelings, with the American Telemedicine Association representatives saying the organization appreciated some of the provisions in the bill while noting other ways in which it fell short.
Alphabet s busy 2020 in healthcare – everything from AI tools to COVID-19 testing mobihealthnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mobihealthnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
OCR Director Roger Severino (Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights on Friday issued guidance addressing how HIPAA permits the use of health information exchanges to disclose protected health information for public health purposes.
A covered entity is required to provide individuals with notice that it discloses protected health information for public health activities, the guidance read. OCR is issuing this guidance to highlight how HIPAA supports the use of health information exchanges in sharing health data to improve the public s health, particularly during the COVID-19 public health emergency, OCR Director Roger Severino said in a statement.