Legislation introduced by Sens. Bill Cassidy, MD, R-La., and Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., proposes stricter regulation of companies' use of health data mined from wearable personal devices.
Under the Stop Marketing And Revealing The Wearables And Trackers Consumer Health Data Act, or Smartwatch Data Act, personal health information gathered by smart devices, which is not currently covered by HIPAA, would become legally protected by HHS. Companies that collect this information would be prohibited from transferring, selling, sharing or allowing third-party access to consumer health data.
"The Google/Ascension news has brought needed scrutiny to the security of Americans' health data. The Smartwatch Act prevents big tech data harvesters from collecting intimate private data without patients' consent. Americans should always know their health information is secure," Dr. Cassidy said in a statement.
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