Massachusetts House Bill H377

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

To protect patient privacy and prevent unfair and deceptive advertising of pregnancy-related services

Impact

If enacted, this bill would represent a significant change to the regulatory landscape concerning pregnancy services centers. It would necessitate these centers to adopt formal privacy notices detailing their data processing activities and to allow individuals the right to revoke consent easily. The implications of this legislation extend to ensuring that clients are fully informed about how their personal data is utilized, thereby aiming to enhance their trust in these services.

Summary

House Bill 377 seeks to enhance the protection of patient privacy and eliminate deceptive advertising practices related to pregnancy-related services in Massachusetts. It establishes clear guidelines for pregnancy services centers, defining what constitutes personal information and setting forth strict requirements regarding consent for processing that information. The bill emphasizes that a pregnancy services center must obtain clear and affirmative consent from individuals before collecting their personal information, thereby prioritizing informed decision-making.

Contention

Debates surrounding H377 could arise regarding interpretations of what constitutes 'deceptive' practices in advertising, as well as the impact on limited-service pregnancy centers, which traditionally do not provide abortions or emergency contraception. Critics may argue that the stringent data handling requirements could hinder services by imposing additional burdens on these centers. Conversely, supporters will likely advocate that such measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations from misleading practices that could compromise patient autonomy and wellbeing.