What the pandemic has taught businesses about the collection of health information

As businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits reopen and employees return to inperson offices, many pandemic safety measures are being modified.

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Provider: 
FTCFTC
URL: 
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2022/04/what-pandemic-has-taught-businesses-about-collection-health-informationhttps://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2022/04/what-pandemic-has-taught-businesses-about-collection-health-information
Retrieved on: 
Saturday, December 17, 2022
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People, Online, Review, Virus, SSDF, Accountability Act, Software, Government, Technology, Security, Coffee, Fraud, Blog, Research, Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914, HIPAA, Federal Trade Commission, Privacy, COVID, Collection, Comment, FTC, Policy, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Contact tracing, Risk, Record, Wi-Fi, Pharmacy, Airport, Pharmaceutical industry, Medical device, Mobile phone, Online shopping
Summary
Key Points: 
  • As businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits reopen and employees return to inperson offices, many pandemic safety measures are being modified.
  • If your company checked employees or customers vaccine status or collected other COVID-related information, have you considered what to do with the data now?
  • Businesses that maintain that information or that developed apps or other products to facilitate its collection can pass along an important pointer to others planning to enter the burgeoning health app marketplace: Sensitive health information should come with a Caution: Handle with Care label.
  • If your company creates vaccine verification apps or if youre developing other health-related apps, here are some key considerations.
  • Make accurate representations.Clearly explain how peoples information will be used and shared and then live up to those promises.
  • And if a customer needs to update information on file to continue to use your app, communicate that clearly.
  • Review and update your privacy claims.Companies are creating apps that may evolve over time to share new or different information, particularly as they relate to public health developments.
  • If youre dealing with health data or kids data, understand applicable standards and regulations.Additional legal provisions may apply when health information and kids information is involved.
  • If you dont need more detailed information, dont ask for it and dont collect it in the first place.
  • Provide a secure environment.If you do use technology to collect personal information, do you have a secure network through which the information is transmitted?
  • Look beyond COVID-related circumstances to take a fresh look at your information collection and retention practices.
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