Jefferson Healthcare decided to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging the disclosure of sensitive information to third parties without patient permission as a result of installing Meta Pixel and other tracking tools on its site. Jefferson Healthcare provides its services to eastern Jefferson County residents on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Based on the Jane Doe et al. v. Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2 D/B/A Jefferson Healthcare lawsuit, the provider used computer code, such as Meta Pixel, on its site from March 19, 2020 to March 19, 2024.
The plaintiffs filed the lawsuit on March 19, 2024, alleging that the installed code permitted the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to third parties, including Google and Facebook, without their awareness or authorization. Jefferson Healthcare submitted a motion to dismiss, which Judge Brandon Mack of Jefferson County Superior Court granted on July 24, 2024. Then, the plaintiff submitted a Notice of Appeal on August 23, 2024 at the Washington Court of Appeals.
The plaintiffs and the defendant decided to resolve the lawsuit with a settlement to steer clear of the stress, expenditure, risk, and uncertainty of ongoing litigation. The parties have already agreed on the terms of settlement, which the court gave preliminary approval. Based on the terms of the settlement, a subscription to CyEx Privacy Shield for 12 months, worth $330, can be claimed by eligible class members.
Jefferson Healthcare is likewise committed to removing Meta Pixel on its site for about two years, unless it is confirmed that using these tools is compliant with pertinent laws, and a link is published on its website about the privacy statement mentioning the use of Meta Pixel. It is expected that this decision is duly noted in the company’s HIPAA training module. Jefferson Healthcare has consented to pay lawyers’ fees ($125,000), $2,500 awards for the class representatives, and the settlement management expenditures.
Class members can file an exemption from or an objection to the settlement on or before October 17, 2025. Those who want to file claims for a voucher can do so until November 17, 2025. The schedule of the final approval hearing is December 5, 2025.
