Protecting health data privacy is critical to ensuring all individuals—residents and visitors—can seek care without fear of exploiting their medical information. The Health Data Safety Act strengthens safeguards by regulating how health data is collected, processed, and shared. This bill ensures that individuals retain control over their private health information, preventing unauthorized use, sale, or tracking while maintaining access to essential healthcare services.
Current regulations leave gaps.
Existing laws do not comprehensively regulate health data processing and sharing, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation. This bill closes those gaps and enhances protections for all New Mexicans.
Consent is required for data use.
The bill prohibits the sale of health data or its use for targeted advertising without explicit patient consent. It also grants individuals the right to access, correct, delete, and control their health information.
Location tracking is restricted.
To protect patient privacy and safety, the act prevents geolocation tracking related to healthcare service access. This ensures that seeking medical care does not expose individuals to potential surveillance or harm.
Protection serves all communities.
By centering consent, equity, and accessibility, this bill ensures that New Mexico remains a safe and secure place for all individuals, particularly marginalized communities, to seek care without fear of their data being misused.
