Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Wearables Pose Tricky Privacy Issues For Employers Collecting Health And Location Data
Wearable electronics, like the Fitbits and Apple Watches sported by runners and early adopters, are fast becoming on-the-job gear. These devices offer employers new ways to measure productivity and safety, and allow insurers to track workers’ health indicators and habits. For employers, the prospect of tracking people’s whereabouts and productivity can be welcome. But collecting data on employees’ health—and putting that data to work—can trigger a host of privacy issues. (Haggin, 5/22)
My Coverage Plan Inc., a for-profit subsidiary of public interest law firm ABC for Health, has received a five-year grant of up to $1.6 million from the National Institutes of Health to develop software to help train staff at hospitals and other organizations in determining eligibility for public health programs. (Boulton, 5/20)