Website Compliance for HMEs

California passed the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in 2018 and made modifications to the Unruh Civil Rights Act in 2015. Both the CCPA and the Unruh Civil Rights Act govern websites for businesses in California and businesses with branch locations in California. These standards give more control to consumers about what personal information is collected online and ensures website accessibility for residents of all abilities.

We’ve recently seen litigation over website compliance for HMEs with these laws and as your website provider, we’re here to help you understand and meet these requirements. Even if you aren’t located in California, it’s important to stay up to date on web laws in other states, because laws from other states could set a precedent for your state.

Staying Compliant with Privacy Laws

Websites must allow customers to opt into or out of collecting their personal data, request that a business disclose what information has been collected, request changes or deletions of data and clearly state privacy policies on the site. Click here for a comprehensive look at CCPA regulations.

This will require you to update your website with the appropriate forms and policy pages, as well as the addition of a cookie consent banner. VGM Forbin has a service to cover these compliance standards automatically for any website. Fill out the contact form below for help meeting CCPA.

Staying Compliant with Accessibility Laws

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the prevailing standard for accessibility and the best way to meet CCPA and Unruh accessibility standards. As your website provider, VGM Forbin now requires all California businesses to include WCAG Compliance in your Forbin contract, if you have not already elected this service. A $150 monthly fee will be added to your contract for Forbin to maintain compliance.

Learn more about WCAG and what VGM Forbin does to stay compliant by reading this article.

Why Update Your Website Now?

The answer to this question: because it’s important to exercise caution in the healthcare industry. HMEs are under more scrutiny than the average business because many of your customers live with a temporary or lifelong disability. We strongly suggest updating your website accessibility, privacy settings, forms and privacy policies before you need to worry about litigation.

Reach out to us today to get a consult and see if you’re in compliance with these new laws.