U.S. Hospital Groups Sue to Block Ban on Web Trackers

Several U.S. hospital groups have filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration to challenge a ban on the use of web tracking technologies, such as cookies and pixels, that collect patient information without consent. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had issued guidance stating that the use of these technologies without patient authorization violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Key points of contention include:

• Financial Penalties: Hospitals argue that the penalties for violations, which could amount to thousands of dollars per unauthorized disclosure, are excessive and could financially burden healthcare providers.

• Operational Challenges: The ban could impede hospitals’ ability to analyze website traffic and improve online services, potentially affecting patient engagement and care delivery.

This legal challenge highlights the tension between protecting patient privacy and utilizing digital tools to enhance healthcare services.

Source: reuters.com