Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute Explores Health Care Law Issues

A partner at Reed Smith in Pennsylvania, attorney Brad Rostolsky leads the firm’s HIPAA and Health Privacy & Security Practice as a member of its Life Sciences Health Industry Group. Brad Rostolsky has also servved as the co-chair of the Privacy and Security Compliance and Enforcement Affinity Group for the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA). Upcoming educational programs offered by AHLA in the health sector include the Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute. 

The program explores legal challenges across health sectors, including those encountered by physicians, hospitals, health systems, and their counsels. It also delves into legal areas associated with health care delivery and covers topics ranging from compliance and fraud to transactions and fair market value. Information and discussion are delivered through a series of in-depth breakout sessions designed to meet the educational needs of AHLA members and provide continuing legal education credits. Participants also receive the opportunity to expand their contacts through two networking receptions sponsored by Horne LLP. 

Program materials for the next Institute, to be held February 5-7, 2018 in New Orleans, become available for online access one week prior to the program, and all participants receive a flash-drive copy on-site. Access to online materials is exclusive to registered participants, who receive an email containing a direct link to the website. 

Physicians and Hospitals Law Institute will take place February 5-7, 2018 at the Sheraton New Orleans in Louisiana.

Mitigating Cyber Security Risks in Wireless Medical Devices

A Super Lawyer and resident of Ambler, Pennsylvania, Brad Rostolsky is the partner in charge of HIPAA and Health Privacy & Security practice at the firm of Reed Smith. In this role, Brad Rostolsky advises clients on HIPAA and health privacy law compliance, which has become especially critical in the age of wireless technology. 

The convergence of technology and information analytics has led to increased opportunities in health care, especially with regard to wireless medical devices, including some pacemakers and automated insulin pumps. These wireless technologies have seen tremendous growth in the last decade. While they have enabled patients to live better, more comfortable lives, they have also opened doors to a new type of risk - cyber security. Many of these technologies receive commands wirelessly, thereby making them susceptible to cyber attacks.

Security experts advise that manufacturers, software developers, hospitals, and other healthcare providers must play a role in managing these security risks. Manufacturers and software developers should take steps to include safeguards in the devices. They will need to remain vigilant of potential cyber security risks and incorporate appropriate security features such as encryption and authentication to protect patients. Hospitals and network providers should also monitor their wireless networks to ensure they are protected from cyber attacks.