As the U.S. hammers out national infrastructure legislation, implements President Biden's recent cybersecurity executive order and adopts other related initiatives,
Privacy attorney David Holtzman of consultancy HITprivacy
Look for the Biden administration to put health data privacy and security on the front burner next year.
As attorney general for California, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Designate Xavier Becerra developed a track record as a proponent of consumer privacy initiatives. Most recently, his office developed and implemented the regulations for the roll-out of the California Consumer Privacy Act. He also took an active role in new laws addressing privacy and security aspects for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and testing companies.
Be on the lookout for action by the incoming HHS secretary to address the calls by some for stronger consumer privacy and security standards.