NY diabetes monitoring program draws criticism

Some privacy groups say they are opposed to a plan developed by New York health officials which would allow the city to monitor data on residents with diabetes. The proposed monitoring plan would give the city access to periodic blood sugar tests conducted by doctors. The idea has won the support of many health policy experts around the country, who argue that people with chronic diseases like diabetes often have difficulty keeping up with their conditions. Many argue similar programs targeting other diseases could have a profound impact. Critics, like privacy rights attorney James Pyles disagree with the contention that there is compelling public interest involved that trumps the right to privacy. "This isn't smallpox," Pyles argues.

- see this story [1] from the AP

PLUS: In another major privacy issue story, California officials say they are contemplating adopting name-based HIV reporting after an experiment with a  code-based system. Officials say the experiment is just not working. Story [2]