Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP today announced Elizabeth "Betsy" Hodge has been appointed chair of the Health Information and Technology (HIT) Practice Group for the American Health Law Association (AHLA). She has served as the group's interim co-chair since October 2022 and will begin her one-year term as chair on July 1, 2023.
In the role, Hodge will help oversee the group’s efforts to keep lawyers and healthcare professionals informed about legal issues arising from the use of information and communications technology in healthcare.
“The AHLA’s Health Information and Technology Practice Group is a tremendous resource for the healthcare sector’s attorneys and other professionals, so I am honored by the opportunity,” Hodge said. “My goal is to see that the HIT Practice Group continues to deliver timely and highly relevant programming and resource materials to our members and provide opportunities for our members to share their knowledge and insight with others.”
Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Hodge concentrates her practice on compliance and regulatory issues affecting healthcare providers, payers, and employer-sponsored health plans. She has significant experience with HIPAA and the HITECH Act and assists covered entities and business associates in complying with these laws through the development of policies and procedures, workforce training, analysis of data incidents and notification of breaches, and assisting with government audits and investigations. Hodge also advises clients regarding compliance with a range of other federal and state privacy and data security laws and associated transactional issues.
Hodge is also currently a vice-chair of education for the HIT Practice Group and the past chair of the Privacy and Security Risk, Compliance and Enforcement Affinity Group of AHLA's HIT Practice Group. She previously served as vice-chair of publications for the HIT Privacy and Security Risk, Compliance, and Enforcement Affinity Group. Hodge is a former president of the Florida Academy of Healthcare Attorneys and she was also a member of the Florida Hospital Association’s HIPAA Preemption Analysis Task Force.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.
Akerman's Healthcare Practice Group provides counsel on complex regulatory, risk management, and corporate matters to healthcare industry stakeholders including hospitals and health systems, health insurers and managed care organizations, physician practice groups and pharmacy-related organizations.
Akerman also delivers important developments in healthcare industry law on their Health Law Rx Blog.