By Angela Harrison, MBA, MLS Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings continue to top holiday gift lists. While these devices offer convenience and health insights, there is a critical misconception worth correcting, HIPAA protections do not automatically apply to wearable technology. HIPAA governs how covered entities and their business associates handle protected health information (PHI). Most consumer wearable devices are not covered entities, nor are they operating

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a series of decisive actions to strengthen parental rights in pediatric care, signaling a major shift toward accountability and transparency across schools, health systems, and HRSA-funded centers. These actions not only highlight existing legal obligations, they elevate the expectations for compliance, documentation, and oversight in every organization that provides care or handles protected health information