Health Information Security Manager

What is a Health Information Security Manager?

The health information security manager serves as the process owner for all ongoing activities related to the availability, integrity and confidentiality of the patient, provider, employee and business information. They ensure that this information remains in compliance with the health care organization's information security policies and procedures. The manager will be the main person responsible for protecting against security breaches and viruses.¹

Daily tasks include:

• • Document the information security policies and procedures
• • Implement the organization's information security policies and procedures
• • Ensure that appropriate information access levels and security clearances are maintained
• • Perform information security risk assessments and serve as the internal auditor for information security processes¹

These tasks may vary depending on the company or type of facility that you work for, examples can include:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL: You will provide ongoing assessment of security measures, conduct facility surveys and make recommendations to improve safety and security processes for entire hospital campus. ²

United Health Centers in Parlier, CA: You will be responsible for secure data retrieval and archiving³

Cotiviti in Wilton, CT: You will provide periodic security risk and security assessment reports highlighting priority issues and suggested corrective actions⁴

Becoming a Health Information Security Manager

Because a health information security manager has two areas of expertise, degrees from both fields are often acceptable or sought after. A bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science or health administration is required and a master’s degree in such areas can be preferred. CISSP, CISM, GIAC, CISA or CHPS certification is also a preferred listing in many postings. Knowledge of information security and access technologies, federal and state privacy and security laws, regulatory requirements and standards for maintaining information security and confidentiality are necessary.¹

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.⁷ The average salary is currently $73,962.¹ Because the health information security manager position is found in the unique niche of IT within the broader scope healthcare, the career outlook for this position is extremely promising. A position as a health information security manager has the potential to lead to higher positions such as a Chief Compliance Officer, a Vice President of Security or Director of Risk Management.¹

Learn More

If you are interested in a career in healthcare information security, consider pursuing a degree in this field.

1. Information Security Manager. (n.d.). Retrieved August 07, 2016, from http://hicareers.com/CareerMap/FullDescription.aspx?ID=7
2. Manager of Safety and Security - Northwestern Memorial Hospital. (n.d.). Retrieved August 07, 2016, from http://careercenter.asisonline.org/jobs/8350025
3. IT Security Administrator. (n.d.). Retrieved August 07, 2016, from http://www.careerbuilder.com/job/J8S52C5WGLRB2VNZHSM?ipath=JRG39
4. (n.d.). Retrieved August 07, 2016, from https://rew21.ultipro.com/CON1036/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*0E03ECB2967B441F
5. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2016, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm