It’s one thing to think up and build out a nifty new mobile health app. It can be another altogether to navigate the legal and regulatory waters separating many worthwhile app projects from the relatively few success stories.
App writers have been tapping into a new web-based tool to help bridge this gap since April, when the ONC, FDA and the Federal Trade Commission spearheaded a government-based effort to facilitate smooth app development.
According to a June 21 ONC blog post, the tool has been viewed more than 12,000 times.
“[W]e have heard from developers that knowing where to find information about what regulations apply and when can be a challenge, write Lucia Savage, JD, chief privacy officer at the ONC, and Helen Caton-Peters, MSN, RN, senior health information privacy program analyst. “HIPAA privacy and security regulations, which protect personal health information in certain settings, are just one set of federal regulations that could be applicable to a developer’s new health-related app.”
Click here to access the tool and here for the rest of the blog post, which includes links to additional resources.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.