Florida passes far-reaching data security law.

• Position: PRIVACY - Brief article

The state of Florida has enacted a new law that increases security accountability for all business, healthcare, and governmental entities that reside or do business in the state. The new Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 (FIPA) specifically requires organizations to take reasonable measures to protect personal information, the definition of which has been broadened to include an individual's first name, first initial and last name, or any middle name and last name, in combination with a Social Security, driver's license, account, credit card, or debit card number.

Healthcare organizations take note: the law also expands the definition to include health insurance policy or subscriber number or any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the individual; information regarding an individual's medical history, mental or physical condition, or medical treatment or diagnosis; or financial information. Further, it encompasses third-party agents that collect, maintain, store, or use personal information of Florida residents.

Healthcare...