What is the Origin of Washington State Privacy Law?

The origin of this law lies in the legislative response to the rapid proliferation of consumer-facing health apps, wearable devices, and wellness services that collect sensitive personal health data outside the traditional, regulated medical system. The state legislature enacted this law to specifically close the regulatory gap left by existing federal and state privacy statutes, ensuring protection for a broader range of health information.

What is the Mechanism of Washington State Privacy Law?

The law functions by requiring explicit, affirmative consumer consent for the collection, sharing, and sale of their health data, granting consumers rights to access and delete that data, and imposing severe restrictions on the use of geo-fencing around healthcare facilities. The enforcement mechanism involves significant penalties and the right for the state Attorney General to pursue violations, thereby establishing a robust legal standard for data stewardship and privacy.

Washington State Privacy Law ∞ Area

Washington State Privacy Law

Meaning

The Washington State Privacy Law refers to specific state-level legislation, such as the My Health My Data Act, designed to grant consumers greater control over their personal health data that is not covered by existing federal regulations like HIPAA. This law creates new rights for consumers and imposes strict obligations on entities that collect, process, or share health-related information, even if those entities are not traditional healthcare providers. This comprehensive legal framework is highly relevant for wellness, hormonal health, and technology companies operating in the state.