Senate Privacy Bill Would Expand HIPAA, Restrict Health Apps

A bill that would place privacy restrictions on wearable devices, health applications, and DNA testing kits would set a new federal standard for biometric consent, its Senate sponsors said.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Protecting Personal Health Data Act June 14 to create protections for genetic, biometric, and personal health data. The measure, co-sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), would create a national task force to evaluate cybersecurity risks and privacy concerns associated with consumer products that use personal health data. It also would allow consumers to access and delete personal health data that companies collect or use.

“New ...