What Are Health Data?
With the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, the definition of health data has been more precisely outlined. Health data includes information that links an individual to their health status. It encompasses various types of information, such as:
- Personal Information: Identifiers, names, physical characteristics, etc.
- Medical Test Results: Analyses, diagnoses, etc.
- Data on Diseases and Disabilities: Information related to an individual’s past, present, or future health.
These data are highly sensitive and can provide insights into a person’s health. Therefore, their confidentiality is essential for healthcare organizations.
Legal Framework and Health Data Protection
In France, the processing of health data is strictly regulated. Here are some key points:
- Explicit Consent: Processing health data is legal only when the patient provides explicit consent.
- CNIL Oversight: Certain organizations must handle health data under the supervision of the National Commission on Informatics and Liberties (CNIL).
- Data Protection Act: French law protects this data through directives on medical confidentiality and the prohibition of commercial exploitation.
- Information System Security: Given the rise in cyberattacks, safeguarding health information systems is a priority .
Security Measures for Maternal Health Records
The CNIL has issued warnings to several healthcare institutions to ensure the security of computerized patient records. Here are three essential measures:
- Robust Authentication: Secure system access using complex passwords.
- Access Control: Patient data should be accessible only to authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know.
- Protection Against Cyber Attacks: Mitigate security vulnerabilities that could compromise data confidentiality.
In summary, maintaining data privacy in maternal health records is a major challenge, requiring constant vigilance and appropriate protective measures.
