Texas Hospital Association (THA) has entered a partnership with Clearwater Compliance, a healthcare cyber risk management and regulatory compliance solutions company, to bolster hospital cybersecurity in nearly 85 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals and healthcare systems, which falls under the purview of THA.
“As we’ve learned over the last year, hospitals and medical devices in the United States are extremely vulnerable to cybe rattacks,” said Ted Shaw, president and CEO of the Texas Hospital Association. “This threat represents what could be a significant and destructive result on operations and financial health of our hospitals, but more importantly, the healthcare quality our patients depend on.”
THA has collectively employed more than 365,000 healthcare professionals statewide. The partnership will enable THA member hospitals to avail Clearwater Compliance’s risk assessments, respond strategically to cyber threats, assistance with several risk management tools, compliance and regulatory issues. “Clearwater Compliance’s services include comprehensive risk assessments, assistance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights investigations and audits, ongoing education and expert consulting services to meet member hospitals’ regulatory and risk management goals,” Clearwater Compliance stated in a statement.
“We are honored to earn the Texas Hospital Association’s trust and confidence,” said Barry Mathis, senior vice president and chief business development officer, Clearwater Compliance. “We show outcomes and results and see firsthand how we are improving the lives of our customers. We will help Texas hospitals better identify and manage cyber risks to ensure access to timely, quality care.”