Health Privacy, Security Priorities in Biden Administration
Gov Info Security
David Holtzman
Look for the Biden administration to put health data privacy and security on the front burner next year.
As attorney general for California, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Designate Xavier Becerra developed a track record as a proponent of consumer privacy initiatives. Most recently, his office developed and implemented the regulations for the roll-out of the California Consumer Privacy Act. He also took an active role in new laws addressing privacy and security aspects for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and testing companies.
So, if he's confirmed as HHS secretary, Becerra could lead the charge on privacy and security issues on the national level.
If past history is a guide, however, the new administration likely won't appoint a new director for the HHS Office for Civil Rights, which enforces HIPAA, until late in 2021. In the meantime...