State of Michigan - Lansing, MI
posted 2 months ago
The Privacy Specialist at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's Privacy Compliance Program. This position is dedicated to effectively preventing and detecting violations of HIPAA, HITECH, and other relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and organizational policies. As a subject matter expert (SME), the Privacy Specialist serves as an advisor to MDHHS management and project management offices on privacy-related matters across the agency. The role involves planning, developing, implementing, and administering privacy initiatives in collaboration with various stakeholders, including Security, the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), and Legal Affairs. The Privacy Specialist is responsible for maintaining the privacy program in compliance with MDHHS, DTMB, and state and federal privacy requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), 42 CFR Part 2, the Michigan Mental Health Code, and the Public Health Code. Key tasks include conducting Privacy Threshold Analyses (PTA), Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA), and HIPAA Assessments, as well as reviewing Data Sharing Agreements to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. The specialist will evaluate the existing data protection framework to identify areas of non-compliance and work to rectify any issues, promoting a culture of data protection and compliance throughout MDHHS. This position requires a proactive approach to privacy management and a commitment to fostering a safe and stable environment for residents. The Privacy Specialist will also be involved in training and educating staff on privacy policies and best practices, ensuring that all employees understand their responsibilities regarding data protection and compliance. The role is essential in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the trust of the public in the services provided by MDHHS.