What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

Implemented in May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of regulations by the European Union (EU) designed to safeguard individuals' data rights and reshape how businesses and entities handle personal information. It applies not only to EU-based organizations but also to any entity globally that collects or processes the data of EU residents.

Principles of GDPR

• Lawful and transparent processing: GDPR mandates that data processing must have a lawful basis, such as consent or contractual necessity. Transparency in data collection and usage is pivotal, requiring organizations to inform individuals about data processing activities.
• Purpose limitation and data minimization: Organizations must collect data for specific, legitimate purposes and limit data collection to what is necessary, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or misuse.
• Data accuracy and storage limitation: GDPR emphasizes maintaining accurate data and retaining it only for as long as necessary. 
• Security and accountability: Stringent security measures are imperative to protect personal data against breaches or unauthorized access. Additionally, organizations are held accountable for their data processing activities, requiring clear documentation and compliance measures.

How GDPR impacts healthcare

GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation, has profoundly impacted the healthcare sector, significantly influencing how patient data is managed, processed, and protected. 

Here is how GDPR has shaped and continues to shape healthcare practices:

Patient consent and control

• Explicit consent: Healthcare providers must obtain clear and explicit consent from patients before collecting, processing, or sharing their personal data. 
• Control over data: GDPR grants patients more control over their data. They have the right to access their medical records, request corrections, and even request the deletion of their data under certain circumstances.
  
  

Strengthened data security measures

• Enhanced security standards: GDPR mandates robust security measures to protect patient data from breaches or unauthorized access. Healthcare entities must implement encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive information.
• Data breach notifications: In case of a data breach that risks individuals' rights and freedoms, healthcare organizations must notify both affected individuals and relevant authorities within specific timelines outlined by GDPR.

Related: HIPAA Breach Notification Rule

Data minimization and purpose limitation

• Limited data collection: Healthcare providers are encouraged to limit the collection of patient data to what is strictly necessary for treatment purposes. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to or misuse of excessive information.
• Specific data usage: Data collected should have a clear and legitimate purpose, and healthcare organizations must ensure that the data is used only for those specified purposes.

Related: What is the Minimum Necessary Standard?

Handling third-party relationships

• Third-party data processors: When engaging third-party vendors or processors, healthcare organizations must ensure that these entities adhere to GDPR standards. Contracts and agreements must outline the responsibilities and obligations concerning patient data protection.

Impact on research and innovation

• Balancing innovation with compliance: While promoting data protection, GDPR's stringent regulations may present challenges for healthcare research and innovation. Healthcare organizations must balance utilizing patient data for advancements while complying with GDPR guidelines.

GDPR and HIPAA compliance

GDPR's impact on HIPAA compliance is significant, especially for healthcare organizations with global operations or handling data from EU residents.

Here is how GDPR impacts HIPAA compliance: 

• Global operations: GDPR has a global reach, impacting any organization handling the personal data of EU residents, regardless of its location. Healthcare entities operating internationally or processing EU residents' data must ensure their practices align with GDPR standards, even if they are primarily governed by HIPAA.
• Data privacy standards: GDPR sets a higher standard for data privacy and individual rights compared to HIPAA. Therefore, organizations striving to comply with GDPR often adopt stricter data handling practices that might surpass HIPAA's requirements.
• Data subject rights: GDPR grants EU residents greater control over their data, including the right to access, rectify, and erase their information.
• Consent and transparency: GDPR emphasizes explicit and informed consent for data processing. While HIPAA allows certain uses of protected health information (PHI) without explicit consent, organizations aiming to comply with GDPR might adopt stricter consent mechanisms and transparency practices for handling PHI.
• Data security measures: Both GDPR and HIPAA emphasize data security, but GDPR's requirements for security measures are broader and more stringent in certain aspects. 

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

Benefits and challenges of GDPR in healthcare

Enhanced trust 

GDPR compliance in healthcare enhances patient trust by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

Complex compliance requirements 

Healthcare entities face the challenge of implementing complex compliance measures, including staff training, system upgrades, and ongoing monitoring, to ensure adherence to GDPR.