Privacy Representation Increased with Addition of Mortensen

Oct 18, 2013

The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) is announcing today the appointment of Kenneth (Ken) Mortensen, vice president, assistant general counsel and chief privacy officer, CVS Caremark, to the HITRUST Board of Directors. The addition of Mortensen broadens the representation of privacy professionals on the board and acknowledges the need for greater collaboration between privacy and information security functions within healthcare organizations. His appointment comes during a time when HITRUST is already incorporating privacy requirements into the HITRUST CSF to create an integrated security and privacy framework.

“Ken Mortensen’s nearly 20 years of experience as an advisor on privacy-related issues will greatly benefit the healthcare community to which we provide guidance and services surrounding the protection of health information,” said Daniel Nutkis, chief executive officer, HITRUST. “HITRUST recognizes that an integrated approach to security and privacy is needed to move the healthcare industry forward. We are pleased to have Ken help us broaden our focus further in this area.”

Mortensen’s responsibilities at CVS Caremark include leading the company’s strategic framework for knowledge governance through the operation of privacy and information security programs. Additionally, he serves as legal counsel for these programs, advising both operational and business leaders. He serves currently on the board of directors for the International Association of Privacy Professionals and has previously held leadership positions in privacy with Boston Scientific, U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Coming from one of HITRUST’s founding organizations, I am honored to be selected to serve on the HITRUST Board of Directors,” said Ken Mortensen. ”My experience has shown that collaboration between privacy and security professionals provides the only means by which true integration can be achieved across an organization. HITRUST is committed to ensuring the healthcare industry is equipped across all fronts to protect the privacy of patients and to safeguard critical health information.”

About HITRUST
The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) was born out of the belief that information protection should be a core pillar of, rather than an obstacle to, the broad adoption of health information systems and exchanges. HITRUST, in collaboration with healthcare, business, technology and information security leaders, has established the CSF, a certifiable framework that can be used by any and all organizations that create, access, store or exchange personal health and financial information. Beyond the establishment of the CSF, HITRUST is also driving the adoption of and widespread confidence in the framework and sound risk management practices through awareness, education, advocacy and other outreach activities. For more information, visit HITRUSTAlliance.net.

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Media Contact:
Mary Hall
972.330.4919
pr@HITRUSTalliance.net