From next week, businesses in Washington state will face new litigation and enforcement risks as a comprehensive health privacy law comes into effect. The My Health My Data Act, which was passed in response to the US Supreme Court’s reversal of a federal abortion right in April 2023, provides some of the most extensive health information privacy protections in the country.
This legislation has raised concerns across various industries that even companies not traditionally involved in health data may be targeted in costly legal actions for perceived violations. The My Health My Data Act guarantees Washington residents strong privacy rights concerning their health information, which means that businesses must carefully review their data practices and ensure they are in line with the new requirements to protect the privacy of their customers’ health information.
In particular, businesses in Washington state that may not have previously considered themselves as dealing with health data are now realizing they could be subject to legal action under the My Health My Data Act. The broad scope of this legislation means that companies of all sizes and industries must take proactive steps to understand and adhere to its requirements to avoid costly legal battles and reputation damage.
Moving forward, businesses must be proactive in understanding and adhering to the My Health My Data Act to avoid litigation risks and demonstrate a commitment to respecting their customers’ privacy rights. By taking steps now to secure and protect health-related data, companies can minimize their exposure to legal battles and safeguard their reputation as responsible stewards of personal information.