Respected Akerman healthcare partner Elizabeth "Betsy" Hodge has been named interim Chair of the American Health Law Association's Health Information and Technology ("HIT") Practice Group. 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 Akerman's West Palm Beach office, Hodge's practice focuses on compliance and regulatory issues affecting healthcare providers, payers, and employer-sponsored health plans. She regularly assists clients with HIPAA and HITECH Act compliance matters, including developing policy and procedures, workforce training, and data breach response. She also advises clients on federal and state privacy and data security compliance issues related to transactions.

Hodge is also Vice-Chair of Education for the AHLA HIT Practice Group and has held other leadership positions with the AHLA's HIT Practice Group, including serving as Chair of Privacy and Security Risk, Compliance and Enforcement Affinity Group. She is a former president of the Florida Academy of Healthcare Attorneys.