Business Blog
Updated FTC-HHS publication outlines privacy and security laws and rules that impact consumer health data
By
Lesley Fair
September 15, 2023
Ever wondered about the intersection of some of the health privacy and security-related laws and rules enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services? You’re not alone, which is why FTC and HHS have teamed up to update a joint publication – Collecting, Using, or Sharing Consumer Health Information? Look to HIPAA, the FTC Act, and the Health Breach Notification Rule – that helps businesses learn more about their legal obligations.
Collecting, Using, or Sharing Consumer Health Information focuses on four primary sources:
- HHS’ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);
- HHS’ HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules;
- the FTC Act; and
- the FTC’s Health Breach Notification Rule.
The publication addresses some of the questions that may be on your mind. What entities are covered? (The answer may surprise you.) What do you have to do to maintain the privacy and security of consumers’ health information? What steps must you take if you experience a breach? Collecting, Using, or Sharing Consumer Health Information gives to-the-point advice and features links to more detailed guidance from the FTC and HHS.
In addition to the updated publication, check out the FTC-HHS Mobile Health App Interactive Tool. It’s a good starting point for app developers and other companies looking for the fundamentals.
Tags:
- Consumer Protection
- Bureau of Consumer Protection
- Privacy and Security
- Consumer Privacy
- Data Security
- Health Privacy
______________________________________________________________________________________
Consumer Alert
Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam
By
Royal Rose
Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC
September 15, 2023
Image
If you’re looking for a remote job, you might be interested in companies that support a cause. But scammers know that and use your interest to draw you in. If, for example, you’re an LGBTQ+ person or ally, a job that says you can “help LGBTQ+ people in need from the comfort of your own home” might sound great. But what happens if you take that next step?
Based on reports to the FTC, that LGBTQ+ non-profit looking to “hire fast” could be using common interest to build trust with you. If you’re invested in their cause, they hope you’ll be more willing to give personal information before they’ve told you anything about the job. Or you’ll be willing to deposit that check they sent you for “equipment costs” — and send some of the money on to someone else, or back to them. (These are both big signs of a scam.)
So how do you avoid job scams and spot phony job listings? Before you accept a job offer:
- Look up the company online. Search the name of the employer plus words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” What do others say? If you see complaints about fake checks, employees not being paid, or other fraud, walk away.
- Don’t share personal information. Don’t give the employer any personal information — like your Social Security number or banking information — until you’ve looked into the company and confirmed that the offer is legit.
- Don’t pay for a job opportunity. Honest employers won’t ask you to pay up front fees for a job. If they insist the payment needs to be through something like a wire transfer, cash, cryptocurrency, or payment app (think CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle), that’s even more proof that it’s a scam. These methods make it almost impossible to get your money back, which is why scammers insist you pay that way.
- Never trust a “cleared” check. If your new “employer” sends you a check and tells you to send some money back due to “overpayment” — that’s a scam. The check will eventually bounce, and the bank will expect you to pay back the full amount.
Learn more about job scams at ftc.gov/JobScams. If you spot a scam or lose money to one, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Search Terms
Topics
Scams
_______________________________________________________________________________________
