Washington State’s New Health Privacy Law: How Businesses Must Adapt to Minimize Risks and Protect Customers’ Privacy

As of next week, businesses operating in Washington state will face new legal challenges and risks as a comprehensive health privacy law comes into effect. The My Health Information Act, which was enacted following the US Supreme Court’s April 2023 decision to overturn federal abortion rights, offers some of the strongest health information privacy protections in the country.

Under this law, Washington residents are guaranteed strong privacy rights regarding their health information. However, it has sparked concerns among various industries about potential legal action for perceived violations. Even companies that are not typically associated with health data could be at risk of costly lawsuits under the My Health and My Data Act.

To avoid these risks, businesses must take proactive steps to understand and comply with the new regulations. Companies in Washington State that may not have previously been considered to be handling health data now realize that they may be subject to legal action under this legislation. The broad scope of this legislation means that all companies, regardless of size or industry, must carefully review their data practices and ensure compliance to protect their customers’ privacy rights.

In conclusion, businesses must be vigilant and proactive in understanding and complying with the My Health Data Act to minimize their exposure to litigation risks and maintain a positive reputation among their customers. By taking steps now to secure and protect health-related data, businesses can demonstrate a commitment to respecting their customers’ privacy rights and avoid costly legal battles down the line.