The FTC announced its long-rumored settlement with Facebook. The key terms:
• Facebook is barred from making representations about the “privacy or security” of consumers’ personal information;
• Facebook must get end user approval before it enacts changes which “override” consumer preferences;
Apparently Facebook did not kill privacy, as a vendor at HIMSS in Orlando last year suggested (on stage no less). OK, but what does this FTC ruling (see link above) have to do with the healthcare industry? Lots. As providers make the move online there are many more laws, in addition to HIPAA, that they will need to pay attention to. You know those privacy polices and website terms of use that no one pays attention to until a lawsuit (or FTC audit) is initiated.
Every successful online business
becomes a target for lawsuits...
providers will be no different and must
pay attention to much more than HIPAA.
Here's the thing, every successful online business becomes a target for lawsuits (eBay, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). That is just the nature of the beast and Jesse James' answer to why he robbed banks applies online as well. Providers are already thought to be successful (despite the fact that many primary care providers are struggling). In short, providers that have a significant online presence will become targets, especially those that venture into allowing User Generated Content (of any kind) on their sites.
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