When Genetic Diseases Threaten Patient Privacy | Hacker News Reader

When Genetic Diseases Threaten Patient Privacy

theatlantic.com

Damn the notion of a person having privacy. Society is setup where the ones holding privacy of the ones vulnerable, hold full control in violating it and being defended where no action of real repercussion will happen to violators for the victims. Unless you’re financially stable and having fuck you money there is nothing. I suffered HIPAA violations by a hospital in my life with a lot of abuse by a doctor for my LGBT status and saw no resolve by the government when reporting. It’s similar everywhere for all things and people would be better off without assuming privacy is a real thing in our world.

You're not important enough. HIPAA rules, which are incredibly vague (I've had to implement HIPAA-compliant systems, and the guidance is non-existent), are in place to protect the rich and powerful, not ordinary people. The fines are exorbitant, and are targeted to individuals, not institutions (i.e., the hospital doesn't pay the fine, the nurse who accidentally lefty a folder lying around does).

Personally I think HIPAA is a cruel joke and we would be better to do away with it, in favor of writing or enforcing laws against abusive behavior. I.e., it should not be a problem if people know your medical history if there are laws protecting you from, say, insurance discrimination, or personal prejudice by your medical practitioner. Such a law, however, might require protecting ordinary people.

When it comes to my health, fuck your privacy.

When it comes to your health, fuck my privacy.

In my opinion you should still have complete control over your health data. I'd rather propose that everyone is responsible to get all diagnostic data on their own health, especially if they plan to procreate. I dream of a world were it becomes common practice to do DNA screening before getting children.

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