Protecting Health Privacy: Washington’s My Health My Data Act Brings New Risks and Requirements for Businesses

As of next week, Washington businesses will face new litigation and enforcement risks with the implementation of a comprehensive health privacy law. The My Health My Data Act, enacted 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. This law has sparked fears among businesses that they could be held accountable for data privacy breaches or misuse of personal health data. Companies are scrambling to ensure compliance with the new regulations and avoid potential legal consequences.

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 carefully review their data practices and ensure they are in line with the new requirements to protect the privacy of their customers’ health information.

Moving forward, businesses must be proactive in understanding and adhering to the My Health My Data Act to avoid costly legal battles and reputation damage. By taking steps now to secure and protect health-related data, companies can minimize their exposure to litigation risks and demonstrate a commitment to respecting their customers’ privacy rights.