COVID-19, Webinar: Balancing Privacy and Data Access During a Crisis

March 2020

GaHIN and COVID-19 – Keeping Information Flowing

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and it continues to spread across the United States and Georgia. Physicians and healthcare facilities are preparing for an expected onslaught of patients from this public health emergency (PHE).

During this time of crisis, GaHIN will continue to provide the electronic health information that physicians need. “We understand how important it is that providers have patient health information in order to deliver better care,” said Pam Matthews, Executive Operating Officer of GaHIN. “Whether it’s using GeorgiaDirect to transmit information between providers, or querying Georgia ConnectedCare for patient history, allergies and other data, Georgia providers will have the data they need at the point of care.”

One of the best sources of updated, reliable information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Distinguished Speaker for March Webinar on

Balancing Privacy and Access During a Crisis

Due to the current world events, we are adjusting our topic for the March webinar to focus on "Balancing Privacy and Data Access During a Crisis." We are thrilled to have noted healthcare attorney Michele Madison join our March webinar to provide insights on the topic. While health information privacy is strictly protected through HIPAA, how far does that protection extend during a pandemic? How do hospitals and practices maintain security with remote workforces, telehealth and public health reporting?

The webinar will be held Wednesday, March 25 from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM .

About Our Speaker

Michele P. Madison is a Partner in the Healthcare Practice in the Atlanta office of Morris Manning & Martin, LLP, providing general legal advice to health systems in various regulatory and business matters. She is also a part of the firm's COVID-10 multi-disciplinary task force of attorneys, helping address a broad range of business and legal implications of the pandemic.

Ms. Madison is highly experienced in managing legal issues arising in hospitals, physician offices or integrated health systems including employment, investigations, risk management assessment and corporation management, and she provides legal education for health systems’ medical staff, management team and employees in these areas.

Ms. Madison also works with information technology companies and advises clients on compliance with regulations and industry standards. Ms. Madison has specific experience in negotiating contractual agreements between healthcare providers and service providers, interpreting and advising health systems on regulations applicable to the healthcare industry, and providing regulatory advice with a focus on Stark, Anti-Kickback and HIPAA. Ms. Madison also has key experience and expertise in Compliance programs. She provides advice for compliance with state and federal regulations and regularly drafts and negotiates agreements with hospitals, physicians, managed care organizations and ancillary service providers, as well as contractual agreements for vendors with an emphasis on information technology, purchasing and lease agreements. Ms. Madison also works with electronic medical record vendors and personal health record providers.