On June 18, 2025, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated most of the rules designed to enhance reproductive healthcare privacy promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2024. More specifically, the court ruled in Purl v. United States Department of Health and Human Services et al, No. 2:2024cv00228 (N.D. Tex. 2025) (the Decision) that the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy” (the “2024 HIPAA Rule”) is contrary to law because it unlawfully limits state public health laws; impermissibly redefines certain terms in contravention of federal law and in excess of statutory authority; and exceeds HHS’s authority. Regulations promulgated under HIPAA prior to the 2024 HIPAA Rule remain unchanged.Continue Reading Texas District Court Vacates 2024 HIPAA Rule Designed to Enhance Reproductive Healthcare Privacy, Effective Nationwide