State Legislature Passes New York Health Information Privacy Act

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Legislature passed the New York Health Information Privacy Act, S.9269 (Krueger)/A.10357 (Rosenthal), legislation that would give New Yorkers control over their electronic health data, put in place some sensible privacy protections, and make it harder for law enforcement to prosecute those who provide, receive, or help others seeking access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement, attributable to Senior Policy Counsel Allie Bohm:

“Today, nearly four years after the Supreme Court eviscerated Roe and one week into Pride Month, the New York State Legislature upheld New Yorkers’ rights to control their own personal health information.

“Whether it’s accessing abortion, attending routine doctor’s visits, or seeking gender affirming care, in today’s world, no one searches for, receives, provides, or helps others access health care without leaving a digital trail. New Yorkers often think this information is protected and are shocked when they learn that it is not. The New York Health Information Privacy Act will fix that and ensure that New Yorkers — not big tech companies, bad actors, or government entities — have control over the intimate health information collected through fitness apps, phone records, search engines, period tracking apps, and the many other tools that are part of modern life.

“At a moment when anti-abortion and anti-trans extremists hold outsized influence in Washington, New Yorkers must be able to receive care and monitor their health without fear of data sharing or misuse by hostile actors. We’re gratified that the State Legislature recognized the urgent need for increased privacy protections over New Yorkers’ health information, and urge the Governor to sign this bill immediately into law.”

###