The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) published new Health Data Privacy Principles, to ensure telehealth practices meet standards for patient safety, data privacy, and information security, while advancing patient access and building awareness of telehealth practices.
“As states adopt privacy statutes and regulations, establishing uniformity with existing federal and other state standards would reduce both complexity of compliance and confusion for consumers and companies alike. Privacy laws should allow for innovation and the advancement of technology-assisted care,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA. “The ATA supports efforts to ensure telehealth practices meet standards for patient safety, data privacy, and information security, while advancing patient access and building awareness of telehealth practices. The ATA and the ATA’s Data Work Group believe that the protection of patient data is a prerequisite for connected care and a core principle for our organization.”
Key components of the Health Data Privacy Principles include:
- Consistency
- Definition of Consumer Health DATA
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Consumer Rights
- Consumer Consent, Sale of Data & Opt-Out
- Enforcement
“Our thanks to the ATA’s Data Work Group, chaired by Aaron T. Maguregui, Senior Counsel, Foley & Lardner LLP, and to the Data Work Group’s Privacy Committee, chaired by Mercer May, Director of Government Affairs, Teladoc Health, for creating an important roadmap to ensure that personal health information used in telehealth and virtual care platforms, systems, and devices should be secured and protected from misuses and inappropriate disclosures,” Zebley added.
Read the ATA’s new Health Data Privacy Principles.
Policy Webinar on Health Data Privacy – TODAY!
The ATA is hosting a webinar, “The ATA’s Health Data Privacy Principles: Addressing State Statutes & Regulations,” on August 29 at 2pm ET. View more information and to register to attend.
As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.
