Health IT Roundup—Omaha hospital reports breach impacting 105,000; EHRA leadership changes

Omaha research hospital hit with data breach

Nebraska-based Boys Town National Research Hospital is notifying patients of a data breach discovered in late May that compromised information for more than 105,000 people.

On May 23, the hospital became aware of “unusual activity” tied to an employee email account. An investigation revealed that an unknown individual gained access to the account, potentially accessing names, Social Security numbers, and medical and insurance information.

The hospital says it hasn’t received any reports of misuse but is “reviewing its existing policies and procedures, and implementing additional safeguards to further protect information stored in our systems.” (Notice)

EHRA shifts leadership

The Electronic Health Record Association (EHRA) switched up its leadership for fiscal year 2019, appointing Cherie Holmes-Henry, vice president of industry affairs at NextGen Healthcare, as chair and slotting Sasha TerMaat, director at Epic, as vice chair.

The organization also added two new members to the executive committee: Barbara Hobbs, senior government affairs manager at MEDITECH, and Courtney Tesvich, R.N., vice president of regulatory at Nextech. (Announcement)

Ciitizen raises $3M

Ciitizen, a new company led by former Apple health director Anil Sethi, has raised $3 million from venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, according to CNBC.

The company is focused on improving cancer patients' access to health data. (CNBC)

Women in healthcare pessimistic about gender parity

Most women who work in healthcare think it will take another 25 years before there is gender parity in the workplace, according to a survey by Rock Health.

Based on responses from more than 600 women, 55% said it would take more than 25 years, up from 45% last year. Still, more women appear to be making inroads as board members, executives or venture capital partners. (Rock Health)