The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) has appointed Michael Frederick, Baylor Health Care System chief information security officer, to its Executive Council. As information technology becomes more important in the health care setting, so has information security. HITRUST's Common Security Framework (CSF) is increasingly being adopted by health care organizations nationwide as a framework for protecting patient and financial information, and complying with government regulations.
The HITRUST Executive Council not only serves as the governing body of the organization, but also plays a hands-on role in ensuring that the CSF meets the short- and long-term needs of the industry.
"Baylor takes information security and the privacy of our patients very seriously, and I think one way we've proven that is through our deep involvement in HITRUST since its inception," says Frederick. "I'm honored to represent Baylor as a member of the council."
Frederick has 20 years of experience in information security. As chief information security officer for Baylor, one of the largest health care providers in Texas, he deals with a wide range of information security issues and advanced technologies. Frederick and the Executive Council will continue to monitor and update the CSF, as well as take on new threats that come along with the latest trends in technology, such as mobile apps and cloud computing.
"The Executive Council is made up of some of the biggest names in health care in the entire country, and I'm looking forward to working with them on the challenges we all face," says Frederick. "This is a great opportunity for Baylor to continue our longtime leadership in health information security."
About Baylor Health Care System
Baylor Health Care System is a not-for-profit, faith-based supporting organization providing services to a network of acute care hospitals and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. Baylor recorded more than 2.6 million patient encounters, $3.8 billion in total operating revenue, $4.4 billion in total assets and $513.5 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2010. Baylor's network of more than 300 access points includes 27 owned/operated/ ventured/affiliated hospitals, 23 joint ventured ambulatory surgical centers, 50 satellite outpatient locations, four senior centers and 156 HealthTexas Provider Network physician clinics.
About HITRUST
The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) was born out of the belief that information security should be a core pillar of, rather than an obstacle to, the broad adoption of health information systems and exchanges. HITRUST, in collaboration with healthcare, business, technology and information security leaders, has established the Common Security Framework (CSF), a certifiable framework that can be used by any and all organizations that create, access, store or exchange personal health and financial information. Beyond the establishment of the CSF, HITRUST is also driving the adoption of and widespread confidence in the framework and sound risk management practices through awareness, education, advocacy and other outreach activities. For more information, visit www.HITRUSTalliance.net.
Contact: Nikki Mitchell
214.820.6961
Nikki.Mitchell@BaylorHealth.edu
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com