App group lobbying for HIPAA changes to foster software innovation

A mobile software industry group is lobbying a lawmaker to help speed innovation and app development for the healthcare sector without sacrificing security and privacy protection and is suggesting three specific changes for the Department of Health and Human Services to make regarding implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

ACT| The App Association, which represents more than 5,000 mobile app players, has issued a letter to Rep. Tom Marino (R-Pa.) to help drive change in the regulatory environment regarding mHealth app development as regulations have not kept up with the growth of mHealth technology.

The group wants existing regulations to be more accessible for tech companies; improved and updated guidance from Office of Civil Rights on acceptable implementations; and stronger outreach to new entrants in the healthcare industry. The group notes current technical safeguard documentation available at the Health and Human Services Department's website is significantly outdated. Letter