Latest news with #TelephoneConsumerProtectionAct
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
EmpiRx Health Launches New Clinical Review Messaging Solution
New Text Notification Solution Strengthens the Pharmacy Care User Experience by Keeping Members Informed in Real-Time on the Status of Their Medications' Clinical Reviews MONTVALE, N.J., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EmpiRx Health, the leading pharmacist-led pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company, today announced the launch of a new Clinical Review Messaging solution that provides members with real-time updates on the status of their medications' clinical reviews. This innovative, easy-to-use solution elevates the overall pharmacy care experience by keeping members well informed of the approvals, partial denials, or denials of their medications during the review process. By keeping members continuously updated in real-time, the Clinical Review Messaging solution reduces confusion, enhances transparency, and fosters trust between members, clinicians, and providers. Exemplifying EmpiRx Health's deep commitment to client and member satisfaction and innovation in care delivery, Clinical Review Messaging demonstrates that behind every medication review is a collaborative and clinician-led effort to ensure the best possible patient health outcomes. Ensuring ease of use and removing barriers to access, EmpiRx Health's new Clinical Review Messaging solution makes it effortless for members to stay informed about their medication reviews, no matter where they are. Messages are delivered via SMS, so there's no need to download or learn how to use a new app. Members receive timely, important updates on their mobile phones in a simple and convenient way. 'We're excited to launch this new solution that offers members more peace of mind by helping them understand in real-time exactly where they are in the clinical review of their prescriptions,' said Kim Howland, Chief Product Officer, EmpiRx Health. 'Clinical Review Messaging is another strong example of EmpiRx Health's leadership in providing highly personalized pharmacy care that measurably improves patient health and well-being.' With regard to pricing, the Clinical Review Messaging solution is an affordable enhancement for plan sponsors looking to tangibly improve member communications and engagement. EmpiRx Health follows TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) Guidelines, with all messages being related solely to health-related items. Members must opt-in to receive text messages and can opt-out at any time. About EmpiRx Health EmpiRx Health is the leading clinically-driven, customer-first pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company that puts the pharmacist at the center of the pharmacy care model. Leveraging our AI-powered pharmacy care platform, Clinically™, EmpiRx Health's clinical pharmacists and client experience teams provide the highest quality care and service. This enables plan sponsors to measurably improve their member health outcomes while substantially reducing prescription drug costs. EmpiRx Health recently launched AllyRx, the first-ever national pharmacy care network specially designed for pharmacy and grocery retailers. With major offices in Montvale, NJ and Orlando, FL, EmpiRx Health celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024. To learn more, visit More information on Clinically can be found at and AllyRx at Contact For EmpiRx Health: Stephanie Cox Phone: (201)775-6971 Email: scox@
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EmpiRx Health Launches New Clinical Review Messaging Solution
New Text Notification Solution Strengthens the Pharmacy Care User Experience by Keeping Members Informed in Real-Time on the Status of Their Medications' Clinical Reviews MONTVALE, N.J., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EmpiRx Health, the leading pharmacist-led pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company, today announced the launch of a new Clinical Review Messaging solution that provides members with real-time updates on the status of their medications' clinical reviews. This innovative, easy-to-use solution elevates the overall pharmacy care experience by keeping members well informed of the approvals, partial denials, or denials of their medications during the review process. By keeping members continuously updated in real-time, the Clinical Review Messaging solution reduces confusion, enhances transparency, and fosters trust between members, clinicians, and providers. Exemplifying EmpiRx Health's deep commitment to client and member satisfaction and innovation in care delivery, Clinical Review Messaging demonstrates that behind every medication review is a collaborative and clinician-led effort to ensure the best possible patient health outcomes. Ensuring ease of use and removing barriers to access, EmpiRx Health's new Clinical Review Messaging solution makes it effortless for members to stay informed about their medication reviews, no matter where they are. Messages are delivered via SMS, so there's no need to download or learn how to use a new app. Members receive timely, important updates on their mobile phones in a simple and convenient way. "We're excited to launch this new solution that offers members more peace of mind by helping them understand in real-time exactly where they are in the clinical review of their prescriptions," said Kim Howland, Chief Product Officer, EmpiRx Health. "Clinical Review Messaging is another strong example of EmpiRx Health's leadership in providing highly personalized pharmacy care that measurably improves patient health and well-being." With regard to pricing, the Clinical Review Messaging solution is an affordable enhancement for plan sponsors looking to tangibly improve member communications and engagement. EmpiRx Health follows TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) Guidelines, with all messages being related solely to health-related items. Members must opt-in to receive text messages and can opt-out at any time. About EmpiRx Health EmpiRx Health is the leading clinically-driven, customer-first pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company that puts the pharmacist at the center of the pharmacy care model. Leveraging our AI-powered pharmacy care platform, Clinically™, EmpiRx Health's clinical pharmacists and client experience teams provide the highest quality care and service. This enables plan sponsors to measurably improve their member health outcomes while substantially reducing prescription drug costs. EmpiRx Health recently launched AllyRx, the first-ever national pharmacy care network specially designed for pharmacy and grocery retailers. With major offices in Montvale, NJ and Orlando, FL, EmpiRx Health celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024. To learn more, visit More information on Clinically can be found at and AllyRx at Contact For EmpiRx Health: Stephanie Cox Phone: (201)775-6971 Email: scox@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE EmpiRx Health Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Martechvibe
28-04-2025
- Business
- Martechvibe
Outdated Laws Are Holding Ecommerce Back
Ecommerce has transformed the way consumers shop and engage with brands, yet the legal frameworks governing digital marketing remain outdated and aren't keeping pace with technological innovations in the industry. Many of the regulations that apply to ecommerce businesses were established long before the rise of mobile commerce, SMS marketing, and the widespread adoption of online shopping. As a result, these laws are not only limiting innovation but are increasingly being exploited in costly and frivolous litigation. And while there needs to be laws and policies in place to protect consumers from true bad actors, ecommerce businesses should not be forced to operate under the constant threat of litigation for engaging in responsible, consumer-friendly marketing practices. How Outdated Laws are Hurting Businesses The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a prime example. Originally enacted to prevent unwanted telemarketing calls, the TCPA is now frequently misused in lawsuits targeting businesses — often in cases where consumers have explicitly opted in to receive communications. For instance, companies are facing costly litigation for sending marketing texts outside of designated 'quiet hours' (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.), even though this law was intended to curb disruptive phone calls to landlines in the middle of the night or early mornings. Some plaintiffs' lawyers are trying to capitalise on the fear of TCPA litigation, filing hundreds of lawsuits against ecommerce brands that have obtained consent and forcing these businesses to engage in expensive legal battles and 5-figure settlements (which many small ecommerce companies can't afford), which would be a huge hit since ecommerce companies rely on SMS marketing to reach customers and make sales. Similar legal vulnerabilities exist within state 'mini-TCPA' laws such as the Florida Telephone Solicitations Act (FTSA) or the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act (VTPPA). These laws have been manipulated to support lawsuits over hyper-technical violations. In one case, a plaintiff sought $800,000 in damages by opting into a brand's messages and then arguing that he should have been able to submit a hard copy opt-out request. ALSO READ: True Transformation is More Than Upgrading Technology Another lawsuit demanded $225,000 in damages, in part, because the sender's full first and last name was not included in the message—although the company's name was clearly displayed. These cases demonstrate how outdated voice-based laws that are then expanded to include text messaging can be leveraged in ways that do not serve consumer protection but instead create a legal minefield for businesses. The former US FCC Commissioner Mike O'Reilly, who has seen firsthand the challenges of these acts, from both the perspective of the consumer and from businesses, says, 'These laws were designed to protect consumers from real harm, not to serve as a tool for aggressive litigation against businesses that are following best practices.' 'The original intent of the TCPA, for example, was to stop intrusive robocalls—not to penalise brands that are engaging with customers who have actively opted in to receive their messages. Today, these laws are being twisted in ways that punish legitimate businesses for harmless technicalities. Reform is long overdue,' he adds. ALSO READ: How to Scale Retail Without Losing Brand Identity How Ecommerce Businesses Can Protect Themselves Given the increasing legal risks associated with SMS marketing and digital outreach, ecommerce businesses need to take proactive measures to ensure compliance while also advocating for necessary legal reforms. The first and most critical measure is ensuring compliance with existing regulations. This starts with obtaining explicit, documented consent from consumers before initiating any text-based marketing. Maintaining detailed records of consumer opt-ins, opt-outs, and message logs is essential to demonstrating compliance if a dispute arises. Additionally, all marketing communications should include clear disclosures, such as opt-out instructions, to ensure transparency and adherence to best practices. To stay ahead of potential risks, businesses should conduct regular audits of their SMS marketing programs, identifying and addressing compliance gaps before they escalate into costly legal challenges. However, compliance alone is not enough—regulatory change is essential to prevent bad actors from exploiting outdated laws. Ecommerce businesses must actively support initiatives that modernise regulations to better reflect today's digital economy. ALSO READ: Why Your Support and Success Teams Need to Merge A strong example of effective advocacy comes from the Ecommerce Innovation Alliance (EIA), which played a key role in the passage of Virginia SB 1339, closing legal loopholes that had enabled frivolous litigation under the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act (VTPPA). Mike O'Reilly emphasises, 'If businesses don't step up and advocate for clear, modernised regulations, they will continue to operate under a legal framework that is not just outdated but actively harmful to responsible companies. Policymakers need to hear from the brands that are being impacted so that we can ensure consumer protection laws are serving their intended purpose.' To drive meaningful change, businesses should consider joining industry coalitions, engaging policymakers, and voicing their support for updates that bring greater clarity and fairness to digital communication laws. Finally, businesses should explore ways to resist the pressure to settle frivolous lawsuits, as doing so only encourages further exploitation. Many Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) lawsuits are built on weak claims, banking on businesses choosing to settle rather than endure a lengthy legal battle. Instead of conceding, companies should work with lawyers with deep experience in TCPA cases, carefully evaluate their legal standing, and leverage their compliance records as a strong defense. Organisations like the EIA are already working with regulators, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to challenge abusive litigation and clarify compliance guidelines. By pushing back against bad-faith lawsuits, businesses can help prevent these laws from being weaponised against responsible companies and ensure that consumer protection laws serve their original purpose. The laws governing digital communications must evolve to reflect modern commerce while maintaining genuine consumer protections. However, meaningful change will require proactive engagement from the businesses affected by these outdated regulations. By strengthening compliance efforts, advocating for legislative reform, and challenging frivolous lawsuits, ecommerce companies can help create a legal environment that fosters innovation rather than stifling it. ALSO READ: Without Consent, AI Doesn't Scale—It Crashes The Martechvibe team works with a staff of in-house writers and industry experts. View More ecommerceLawsMessagingopt-insSMS marketingTCPA
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why A2P Messaging Is Becoming A Business Essential
Ruchir Brahmbhatt is Co-Founder and CTO of Ecosmob. Think of the last time you received an appointment reminder, a delivery update or a two-factor authentication code. Chances are, it arrived via SMS. But it wasn't just any SMS—it was application-to-person (A2P) messaging, a critical tool that businesses across industries are rapidly embracing. A2P messaging in business isn't new, but its adoption has skyrocketed as businesses seek direct, reliable and high-engagement communication channels to reach their customers. With global A2P messaging market trends projecting revenue to hit $84.8 billion by 2029, it's not slowing down. But what's fueling this surge? And why are businesses prioritizing A2P over other communication channels? Customers today live on their smartphones. Whether it's shopping, banking or customer support, mobile is the default platform for interaction. Businesses that don't optimize for mobile risk losing engagement and conversions. SMS messages have an open rate of 98%, unlike email, where open rates are around 20%. In fact, 90% of messages are opened within three minutes. This makes A2P business messaging a high-priority channel for time-sensitive communication. But to make sure your messages are seen and acted upon, you need to consider reliability, too. One of the biggest oversights I've seen businesses make is failing to account for latency. Poor routing decisions or network congestion can cause message delays, making the entire system unreliable in cases like OTPs (one-time passwords) or fraud alerts. Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, making verifiable communication channels to protect customer data more important than ever. A2P messaging use cases (like OTPs, fraud alerts and banking notifications) have become the foundation of security-driven interactions. One such crucial use case is two-factor authentication, used mostly to send OTPs for account logins, transactions and identity verification. But there are risks. One of today's biggest vulnerabilities is SIM-swap fraud, where attackers hijack a user's mobile number to intercept SMS-based authentication. This is why multilayered security is essential. You can combine OTPs with device fingerprinting, risk-based authentication and behavioral analytics (such as IP address history and device reputation) to minimize fraud risks. Compliance regulations like GDPR, PSD2 and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) have made secure, consent-driven communication a priority. Unlike email or app-based notifications, A2P SMS ensures direct, encrypted delivery with verifiable time stamps, reducing compliance risks for businesses. In industries like banking and fintech, SMS authentication prevents unauthorized access while ensuring compliance with security regulations. However, regulations change quickly, and we've seen companies struggle to keep up. If you're handling customer data, work closely with your A2P messaging providers to ensure that every message you send fully complies with regional regulations. Also, look for A2P messaging solutions with built-in opt-in management, automated consent tracking and region-specific routing to avoid carrier blacklisting. Businesses aren't adopting A2P messaging just because it's effective; they're doing it because it makes financial sense. Compared to developing and maintaining mobile apps or running large-scale email marketing campaigns, A2P messaging is significantly more cost-effective. It delivers results at a fraction of the cost of other customer engagement channels. For industries like retail, finance, healthcare and logistics, A2P business messaging streamlines communication while cutting operational costs. Automated appointment reminders reduce no-shows, fraud alerts prevent financial losses, and order confirmations minimize customer service queries—all contributing to measurable savings and increased efficiency. I've seen businesses cut costs further by using hybrid A2P models to prioritize SMS for critical alerts while using lower-cost channels like WhatsApp for routine interactions. Optimizing the right mix matters as much as choosing a provider. SMS has been the backbone of A2P messaging, but it's no longer the only player. Businesses are moving toward more interactive messaging solutions like rich communication services (RCS). Think of it as SMS but with the engagement power of an app, with read receipts, high-quality images, interactive buttons and even payments. RCS lets businesses create dynamic, branded conversations that don't get lost in the noise of email or app notifications. But SMS isn't fading into the background—it's evolving. AI-powered automation, chatbots and integrations with WhatsApp Business API and intelligent IVR systems are transforming how businesses use A2P messaging. For example, companies are layering AI chatbots on top of A2P to automate customer inquiries, streamline appointment scheduling and provide instant fraud alerts—all without human intervention. It's no longer about choosing one messaging channel over another. It's about creating a seamless, AI-powered messaging ecosystem that combines the speed of SMS, the interactivity of RCS and the intelligence of automation. But a key challenge we've noticed is device incompatibility. We solve this by implementing a fallback mechanism between A2P channels. So if an RCS message fails due to an unsupported device, the system should auto-switch to SMS. Businesses are shifting toward omnichannel customer engagement, where interactions seamlessly transition across SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, email and voice. A2P messaging serves as the base of this ecosystem, ensuring that time-sensitive messages reach customers even if they're not checking their email or push notifications. I've found that by properly integrating SMS with automation and CRM workflows, you create a real-time trigger for personalized customer actions—not just another notification. For example, an e-commerce brand may send a promotional email but reinforce it with an A2P SMS reminder to improve conversion rates. Similarly, you may have noticed that an airline may push boarding pass details via an app but use SMS for last-minute flight updates, ensuring you don't miss critical information. A2P messaging has evolved from a basic notification tool to a mission-critical business solution. The focus should now be on optimizing message delivery, automating compliance and integrating messaging into broader customer experience strategies. So, if you're a business owner, the takeaway is clear: A2P isn't just another messaging tool—it's a strategic asset for customer communication. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown joins the bipartisan fight against robocalls
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown has officially joined 27 other state attorneys general in the fight against robocalls. The AGs are supporting a rehearing by the National Consumer Law Center in a case between the Insurance Marketing Coalition Limited and the Federal Communications Commission. The AGs seek to defend a rule by the FCC that stops telemarketers from obtaining and selling consumers' phone numbers to robocallers without their consent. The brief hopes to 'shut the spigot of illegal robocalls' by giving the FCC authority to issue and enforce the one-to-one consent rule, which was defined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act in 1991. Former Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C., who sponsored the bill in the '90s, famously described robocalls as 'the scourge of modern society.' 'They wake us up in the morning; they interrupt our dinner at night; they force the sick and elderly out of bed; they hound us until we want to rip the telephone right out of the wall,' he said. But these robocallers are not merely annoying; they cost American consumers over $1.2 billion in 2023 alone, according to the Federal Trade Commission. In a statement to the Deseret News, Brown said robocalls 'target the most vulnerable members of our society.' He added, 'This FCC policy would cut off robocalls at the source. It is critical that we protect Utahns from scams that can lead to them losing millions of dollars.' The core legal change the AG brief supports is to uphold the FCC's one-to-one consent rule. This rule, according to an FCC consumer guide, 'prohibits lead generators, texters, and callers from using a single consumer written consent to inundate consumers with unwanted telemarketing robocalls and robotexts from dozens of sellers when consumers visit comparison shopping websites.' Currently, however, the one-to-one consent rule is not fully followed because a panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision invalidating it. The brief explains, 'The panel's decision invalidating this commonsense rule threatens Amici States' interest in protecting consumers, families, and businesses from the deluge of invasive robocalls,' asserting that the one-to-one consent rule must be followed for the AGs to protect American citizens. 'Americans passionately disagree about many things. But they are largely united in their disdain for robocalls,' Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh said in a 2020 appeal. The fight against robocalls in the U.S. is overwhelmingly bipartisan and largely against data collectors and harvesters.
