LabMD-FTC privacy case delayed

A closely-followed medical data privacy trial focused on the patient information security practices of an Atlanta cancer testing laboratory has been delayed while a Congressional committee investigates another company involved in the matter.

The Federal Trade Commission case against LabMD was recessed to June 12 while the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform looks into the actions of employees at Tiversa, a Pennsylvania cybersecurity firm.

“The Oversight Committee has initiated inquiries related to new allegations of false testimony involving individuals employed by Tiversa,” said Becca Watkins, a committee spokesperson.

The FTC did not comment, but confirmed that the case had been delayed.

The agency, which has been looking into consumer medical data security, says personal information of more than 9,000 LabMD patients was found on a peer-to-peer file sharing computer network by Tiversa. LabMD says the information found by Tiversa was not available to the general public and that no data breach occurred. The two companies are involved in a separate lawsuit.