Does Facebook have your PHI?

Facebook might be collecting your protected health information (PHI), according to a recent lawsuit.

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is facing a lawsuit alleging that Meta has scraped private health data from hundreds of hospital websites. 

We can help your practice get up to date and prepared to minimize breach risks from third-party vendors. Subscribe to stay current and up to date on important matters that will impact your practice.  (To subscribe to our blog ).

Allegedly, Meta has used its Meta Pixel tracker to take patient data from hospital websites. 

A recent report found that Meta Pixel allows websites to track visitor activity and has been used on hundreds of hospital sites. 

Meta Pixel can collect anything in HTTP headers, click data, form field names and more. 

Packets of patient portal data were allegedly sent to Facebook whenever someone clicked a button to schedule a doctor’s appointment. Facebook also was receiving PHI related to medical conditions and doctor’s names. 

The current lawsuit alleges that millions of patients have had their rights to privacy violated by Meta. 

Healthcare organizations should also be concerned, as they are covered entities and cannot release information to Meta without a HIPAA release. 

Should the government decide to investigate, healthcare organizations could potentially face HIPAA audits related to these allegations. 

If you have any questions about your HIPAA obligations or  business associates, contact Rickard & Associates today!

We know you’re busy. Subscribe to our blog to get updates and news sent directly to your inbox!

We publish vital information on health law topics and news every Wednesday and Friday. To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, subscribe today!

Do you need help with updating your Business Associate Agreement or negotiating contracts with third-party vendors?  We can help. To contact us about your Business Associate Agreement, your vendor contracts or your other legal needs, call us today.

Related Posts

Categories

Recent Posts

What is a Power of Attorney?
March 16, 2023
Can Your EHR Template Land You in Prison?
March 14, 2023
What Happens When You Don’t Fund Your Trust?
March 9, 2023
What is the Cost of a Data Breach?
March 7, 2023
3 Things You Should Know About Irrevocable Trusts
March 2, 2023

Subscribe

Enter your email to subscribe now and receive your FREE HIPAA Risk Assessment book!

An essential tool for all healthcare providers, Easy Guide to HIPAA Risk Assessments breaks down the requirements of HIPAA so you can successfully complete your required risk assessment.

 

Get it now for FREE (an $8.99 value!)

One more step! Please check your email to confirm your subscription and receive your FREE book!