Reproductive Healthcare Privacy Rule Struck Down Nationwide by Texas Judge: What Providers and Employer-Sponsored Health Plans Must Know
A federal judge in Texas just tossed out Biden-era reproductive healthcare privacy protections, halting a 2024 final rule with nationwide effect. The rule, which largely took effect in December and created new HIPAA privacy requirements for healthcare providers, employer-sponsored group health plans, and other regulated entities, has been challenged in lawsuits brought by at least 17 states, as well as a private family medical practice in Texas that just won the June 18 nationwide injunction. We’ll explain everything you need to know and provide steps you should consider taking next. Quick Background on the Reproductive Healthcare Privacy Rule The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule last year that, among other things, prohibited the use or disclosure of protected health information for certain activities such as criminal investigations against individuals for seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating lawful reproductive healthcare. The...