David Honan

Since joining the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) over ten years ago, I have worked extensively in the area of information privacy, security, and access, including over six years as the DHS’ (first) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Official.

During my tenure with DHS, I have provided legal advice to senior DHS management and training to staff throughout DHS, and been responsible for developing information privacy policies and strategies to comply with HIPAA and other state and federal information privacy, security, and access laws and regulations. I have also coordinated related legislative activities, including drafting bill language, soliciting input and support from key legislators and from both private and public sector stakeholders, and testifying on behalf of pending bills. My efforts during my tenure as Privacy Official were recognized with numerous performance awards.

I also coordinated responses to data requests and suspected privacy breaches. The accompanying supporting documents include samples of my work as Privacy Official, including responses I drafted in a successful defense of DHS involving a HIPAA complaint that was filed in 2006.

The pace of change in the health care industry has only accelerated in recent years with the passage the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and its component Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act). Keeping pace with this evolving and complex regulatory and business environment requires a team of professionals that can consistently meet challenges with creativity, flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with private and public stakeholders. I have demonstrated these traits throughout my career.

For more information, please contact me at [email protected].