HIStalk: Healthcare News & Headlines – Dec 24, 2025

by Grace Chen

Brain-Computer Interfaces, Healthcare Records, and Data Privacy Dominate December 23rd News Cycle

A surge in funding for neurotechnology, a major healthcare system’s EHR shift, and a key privacy veto shape the landscape of innovation and regulation.

The final weeks of 2025 are proving pivotal for the intersection of technology and healthcare, with significant developments unfolding across the brain-computer interface (BCI) sector, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and health data privacy. From a substantial investment in neurotechnology to a New York governor’s decision on health data safeguards, these events signal a rapidly evolving future for the industry.

Neurable Secures $35 Million to Advance Everyday BCI Technology

Neurable announced on Thursday that it has raised $35 million in Series A funding to accelerate the commercialization of its BCI technology. The company intends to utilize the new capital to refine and deploy wearables capable of tracking crucial cognitive states, including mental fatigue, cognitive recovery, and focus state detection.

According to a company release, this technology has the potential to revolutionize how individuals understand and manage their cognitive well-being. the implications extend to various fields, from optimizing workplace productivity to aiding in the recovery process for individuals with neurological conditions.

Did you know? – Brain-computer interfaces are not new, but recent advancements in non-invasive technology are making them more accessible for everyday use, moving beyond purely medical applications.

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System to Implement Epic EHR System

In New jersey, saint Peter’s Healthcare System will move forward with the implementation of Epic, a leading EHR system. This decision comes after the cancellation of a planned merger with Atlantic Health in October 2025.

The move to Epic represents a significant investment in modernizing the healthcare system’s infrastructure and streamlining patient data management.A senior official stated that the implementation will “enhance care coordination and improve the overall patient experience.” .

pro tip – Electronic health Records (EHRs) like epic aim to create a thorough, digital record of a patient’s medical history, improving dialog and reducing errors.

New York Governor Vetoes Health Information Privacy Act

New York governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the New York Health Information Privacy Act on thursday, a bill that sought to expand health data protections beyond the existing federal HIPAA standards. The legislation aimed to provide individuals with greater control over their sensitive health information.

Why did this happen? Governor Hochul vetoed the bill due to concerns about its potential impact on healthcare innovation and access to care. Who was involved? Key players included Governor Kathy Hochul, privacy advocates, and industry stakeholders. What was the bill? The New York Health Information Privacy Act aimed to strengthen health data protections beyond HIPAA. How did it end? The bill was vetoed, halting its progression into law.

One analyst noted that the veto was met with mixed reactions, with privacy advocates expressing disappointment and industry stakeholders voicing concerns about potential regulatory burdens. The governor’s office indicated that the decision was made after careful consideration of the bill’s potential impact on healthcare innovation and access to care.

These three developments – the funding of Neurable, the EHR implementation at Saint peter’s, and the veto in New York – collectively illustrate the complex interplay between technological advancement, healthcare delivery, and the ongoing debate surrounding data privacy in the 21st century.

Reader question – How can states balance the need for robust data privacy with fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology sector? Share your thoughts.

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