On Monday, the Office for Civil Rights released guidance regarding methods for de-identification of protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
HIPAA covered entities and business associates recognize the increasing risks related to handling "protected health information." One way to reduce these…
California AG begins enforcing the state’s Online Privacy Protection Act which requires commercial operators of online services, including websites and mobile and social apps, that collect personally identifiable information from Californians to conspicuously post a privacy policy.
Continue Reading California AG Begins Enforcing the State’s Online Privacy Protection Act for Websites, Aps
The effects of a hurricane like Sandy should be a reminder to all businesses of the importance of disaster recovery planning. When these storms threaten there is no shortage of images of sandbags and plywood being used to prevent harm to companies’ bricks and mortar. However, rarely do we see steps businesses should be taking to protect…
Are emails saved in one’s Yahoo! account stored for backup protection under the Stored Communications Act?
Continue Reading South Carolina Supreme Court Addresses When Email is Backed-Up Under the Stored Communications Act
As we have referenced in previous posts, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an aggressive push against data brokers and credit reporting agencies in its enforcement of the rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). That push continues today with the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement of the prosecution of a…
Connecticut AG prepares for amendments to Connecticut’s data breach law going into effect on Oct. 1, 2012.
Continue Reading Connecticut AG Makes Email Address Available to Companies to Report Data Breaches
Another reported HIPAA breach results in $1.5 million dollar settlement between HIPAA covered entity and HHS’ Office of Civil Rights…
Continue Reading Massachusetts Health Care Provider, MEEI, Settles HIPAA Charges Following Stolen Electronic Storage Device
Attention federal contractors – DOD, GSA and NASA propose adding a required contract clause for federal contractors to address data security.
Continue Reading DOD, GSA, and NASA Propose New Rule Affecting Federal Contractor Requirements to Safeguard Government Information
FTC provides guide to parents for protecting their children’s personal information when heading back to school.
Continue Reading Back to School – FTC Provides Guide to Parents for Protecting Children’s Personal Information
A New York law, effective December 12, 2012, prohibits businesses and other entities from requiring individuals to disclose or furnish their Social Security Numbers for any purpose, subject to certain exceptions.
Continue Reading New York Tightens Protections on Social Security Numbers
