P.62 | THE FUTURE WHAT ARE GEN Z CAREER ASPIRATIONS?
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CONTENTS
P.12 SPOTLIGHT
p.12 Professional of the Month: Dina Nordin
p.14 Association of the Month: The Indiana Biomedical Society (IBS)
p.16 Next Gen: Mallory R.S. Harding
p.18 Department of the Month: Rochester Regional Health’s
St. Lawrence Region/Crothall HTS
Biomedical Services Department
P.21 INDUSTRY UPDATES
p.21 News & Notes
p.26 Ribbon Cutting: GMED ONE Inc.
p.28 ECRI Update
p.30 AAMI Update
P.32 THE BENCH
p.32 Biomed 101
p.34 Tools of the Trade
p.37 Webinar Wednesday
p.38 MedWrench Shop Talk
P.40 FEATURE ARTICLES
p.40 Roundtable: Ventilators
p.44 Cover Story: Champions of the Field: Unveiling the Tech Choice Award Recipients
p.47 Tech Choice Awards
P.61 EXPERT ADVICE
p.61 Careers Now
p.62 The Future
p.64 Cybersecurity
p.66 Networking Notes
p.68 Health-ISAC
The Wrenchies
PUBLISHER John M. Krieg
VICE PRESIDENT Kristin Leavoy
VICE PRESIDENT Jayme McKelvey BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
EDITORIAL John Wallace
CONTRIBUTORS Roger Bowles
K. Richard Douglas
Jim Fedele
Joie Marhefka
Manny Roman
Steven J. Yelton
ACCOUNT Megan Cabot
EXECUTIVES Emily Hise
ART DEPARTMENT Karlee Gower
Taylor Hayes
Alicia Brown
DIGITAL SERVICES Cindy Galindo
Kennedy Krieg
Haley Harris
EVENTS Kristin Leavoy
WEBINARS Linda Hasluem
HTMJOBS.COM Kristen Register Sydney Krieg
ACCOUNTING Diane Costea
CIRCULATION Joanna Manjarrez
p.71 Biomed Brainbuster
p.78 Time Capsule
p.72 Preferred Vendors
p.74 Service Index
p.77 Alphabetical Index
EDITORIAL BOARD
Rob Bundick, Director HTM & Biomedical Engineering, ProHealth Care
Carol Davis-Smith, CCE, FACCE, AAMIF, Owner/ President of Carol Davis-Smith & Associates, LLC
Nadia ElKaissi, CHTM, Biomedical Engineer, HTM, VA Central Office (19HTM)
Bryant Hawkins Sr., Site Manager, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
Earl Morris Jr., BMET, Director of Clinical Engineering, Harrison County Hospital
Leticia Reynolds, Clinical Engineering Operations Manager at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center
VR Lab Training
Make
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industry. Whether you're starting fresh or enhancing your current role,
Make 2025 the year you invest in your future with a career in Healthcare Technology Management. CBET offers 100% online programs tailored to fit your life, equipping you with the expertise to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry. Whether you're starting fresh or enhancing your current role, our programs empower you to reach new heights.
programs empower you to reach new heights.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH Dina Nordin Sunshine State Biomed
BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS
Wesley Chapel, Florida is northeast of Tampa on the west side of the state. Except for hurricanes, it’s a good place to live.
The area has several hospitals, including Advent Health Wesley Chapel. One of the biomeds at that hospital knows the state of Florida well.
“I have always been passionate about helping people and enjoy fixing things. The concept of machines offering critical information and support to save lives truly captivated me. My curiosity deepened as I discovered how engineering and technology unite to create devices that assist healthcare professionals in delivering more precise and effective care,” says Dina Nordin, biomedical engineer II with GE Healthcare, working at Advent Health Wesley Chapel
in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Nordin attended Santa Fe College where she earned an associate of science degree in biomedical equipment technology in May 2019.
“I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Applied Science at the University of South Florida,” she says.
Nordin began her career interning at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.
“After that, I secured my first job as a biomedical equipment technician in Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, I have advanced to a biomedical equipment technician II role,” she says.
Nordin does have some specialized skills that may set her apart from many biomeds.
“While living in Phoenix, I learned to operate the Baxter Prismaflex. Afterward, I taught myself how to troubleshoot and service the machine independently. I have specialized expertise in Panda Warmers and Giraffe Incubators,” Nordin adds.
CAREER ASPIRATIONS
During her time in the field, Nordin has worked on some projects and has taken on a few challenges as well. Giraffes aside, Nordin has plenty of experience installing medical devices for humans and bringing them online.
“I have been involved in configuring new Philips monitors in our department, collaborating with the Philips team to ensure correct network settings and effective communication. Additionally, I worked on a project to setup transportable monitors and ECG machines with proper network configurations to enable successful data transfer to Epic,” she says.
Nordin says that when the ICU team installed new monitors for the department, she assisted with the Philips team in setting up the monitors, making sure each monitor
was configured to the correct settings and also adding the devices into the inventory.
One challenge of living on the western side of Florida is the potential for hurricanes coming into the gulf. This can mean putting in some additional hours at work to monitor the situation.
“I was not affected by Hurricane Helene this year, but unfortunately Hurricane Milton was a direct hit on Tampa and caused some major damage to our city. [During] Hurricane Milton, I had to spend the night at my hospital and make sure nothing went wrong with any of the departments. Luckily, we had no incidents,” Nordin says.
When taking some time away from work, Nordin likes to see the world and experience other countries.
“I love to travel. I have been to Vietnam, Morrocco, Cambodia, Amsterdam, Italy, France and Munich,” she says.
Her family lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and she has a sister who lives in Melbourne, Australia.
As a biomed who has gained experience in the field, she has her sights set on a career ladder in HTM and continuing her career in a management position.
“I am a highly driven BMET with a deep passion for how healthcare and biomedical engineering support and save lives. My goal is to assume a leadership role in this field. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience and taken on roles that have prepared me to be a successful leader, with a focus on teamwork and problem-solving,” Nordin says.
No doubt this Sunshine State biomed will achieve her goal and continue to advance within HTM.
BIOMETRICS
FAVORITE BOOK: “Verity”
FAVORITE MOVIE: “She’s the Man”
FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi
HIDDEN TALENT:
I love to make pottery!
FAVORITE PART OF BEING A BIOMED:
The best part of being a biomed is knowing that I am responsible for maintaining all critical medical equipment, from machines used in invasive procedures to laboratory centrifuges. Taking on this responsibility and rising to the occasion gives me peace of mind, knowing that the hospital operates smoothly.
WHY DO YOU READ TECHNATION?
I love hearing other people’s stories and how they make a difference in their field.
Doing a preventive maintenance on Panda Warmer.
Nordin working on an EKG device.
ASSOCIATION OF THE MONTH
THE INDIANA BIOMEDICAL SOCIETY (IBS)
BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS
In existence for nearly 35 years, the Indiana Biomedical Society (IBS) has joined together and educated biomedical professionals from The Hoosier State.
The society’s leadership includes President Naka Piohia, Vice President Abdelkader Bouzar, Secretary Noah Graber and Treasurer Matthew VonBank.
The group originally formed following a survey conducted by HTM professionals Jim Sheets and Mike DeJaeger.
“Results from a clinical engineering survey at Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis indicated that BMETs believed that they weren’t a recognized group of employees. So, in an effort to heighten the awareness of the then biomedical industry (pre-HTM) community, Jim and Mike organized a meeting that took place on July 14, 1990, to establish the Articles of Incorporation and by-laws for the association. The other people in attendance included George Gladding, Bruce Mueller, Mike Mullane, Jack Simmons, Bob Cartmel, Mike Bernstein, Steve Sanghvi and William Ritcher,” Piohia says.
After the survey results led to the group’s first meeting, the 18 original attendees went on to form IBS.
Piohia says that the society holds quarterly training meetings every year. To accommodate biomeds from different areas of the state, the group does broadcast those meetings using Zoom.
Also, to help introduce new biomeds to the profession, IBS has a relationship with both Vincennes University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
“We support their biomedical engineering program with medical devices to use in their skills labs. Over the
last years, several of their students served as interns at a few of our hospitals and we included them in our annual career fair,” Piohia says.
He adds that the group hopes to grow in its relationship with the existing schools and establish new relationships with other universities and technical colleges. IBS also has a scholarship program.
While education is often central to a biomed association’s offerings, the IBS has attempted to rally the field in Indiana in other ways as well.
“We encourage fellowship among the HTM community by sponsoring team-building events and activities such as ‘Family Day at TopGolf,’ ” Piohia says.
He says the event provides an opportunity for members to meet each other and get to know one another – and spouses and families – away from the healthcare business settings.
“We also promote the medical electronics technical field as a career path by offering educational scholarships,” he adds.
2024 CONFERENCE/HTM MIXER
The IBS 2024 conference was a special coordinated event with MD Publishing and TechNation.
“For the 32nd annual conference held on May 2 and 3, 2024, we partnered with MD Expo to host their HTM Mixer in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was at the Westin in downtown Indianapolis. IBS members were free to register,” Piohia says.
He says that the “Mixer” was a great opportunity for IBS.
“We had over 60 vendors attend. It was a two-part ‘Mixer’ type event, slightly smaller, shorter-duration and less-crowded, but still provided valuable continuing
2024 HTM Mixer Indy
In 2024, IBS teamed up with MD Publishing for an HTM Mixer. The 33rd annual IBS conference will be held March 22. Visit tinyurl.com/5fdmuxhj or scan this QR code for information.
education, networking and vendor engagement opportunities. HTM Mixers were created during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic when larger events were not possible. The mixers were a hit and served as a regional conference for HTM professionals eager to earn continuing education credits, explore solutions in an exhibit hall and network with peers,” Piohia says.
One of the members who attended the conference was Paul Neher, a biomed supervisor from Fort Wayne.
“I met many long-time friends, spoke at length to vendors and suppliers, but the real win for me was the education. I attended a full class schedule on such topics as CMMS automation, applying lean processes to motivation and team problem-solving, and contrast injectors. I always learn something at these events, but I took away many pages of notes and perspectives I had not had previously,” he says.
The event also included a business meeting.
Neher said that “the IBS business meeting was fairly well attended with the focus being the future of the IBS and the coming biomed shortage. It was a lively roundtable that left me feeling energized.”
Piohia says that the event also included industry-leading speakers covering the hottest topics in HTM such as compliance, IT, cybersecurity, management and equipment service.
Among the education opportunities were three courses: “Introduction to Contrast Injectors” by presenter Stephen Maull, owner of Maull Biomedical Training; “All in the Family: Building Teams by Bridging Generational and
Demographic Gaps” by presenter Mark Cooksey, DME Quality Engineer, Norton Healthcare; and “AIAT & Service Access for Modern Diagnostic Imaging Systems (Right to Repair)” by presenter Todd Boyland, CEO, RSTI.
The event also included a welcome reception that was sponsored by USOC Medical.
“There was an open bar, delicious appetizers and great networking,” Piohia adds.
The conference/Mixer also included a door prize drawing at the conclusion of the exhibit hall.
“We drew names for the door prize giveaways provided by all the vendors which include gift cards, gadgets, tech and tools,” Piohia says.
As was the case with most state biomed associations, the pandemic played a key role in forcing adaption of workarounds and use of the Internet to keep members connected.
“The pandemic caused us to rethink how we provide our members with the information and support that we offer. We began by using Zoom to host our quarterly training meetings. We used social media, specifically Facebook, to promote social events and career fairs. And WebEx was very handy for hosting our board meetings so we could continue to organize and strategize our future plans for the organization,” Piohia says.
The Hoosier State has had its HTM community united and connected through a biomed society that has spanned more than three decades. IBS has also been instrumental in its role as a conduit, with local training programs, to bring new biomeds into the field.
NEXT GEN
POWERED BY YP AT MD
Mallory R.S. Harding
TRIMEDX Technical Training Program
Manager Mallory R. S. Harding is a rising star in the HTM field. She is also involved in supporting members of the next generation of HTM professionals.
TechNation Editor John Wallace recently quizzed Harding about her education and outlook for the future.
Q: WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
A: Lexington, Kentucky
Q: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION AND TRAINING?
A: Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Bachelor of Arts in History, master’s in human resources and AAMI Leadership in Management.
Q: WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR HTM TRAINING/ EDUCATION?
A: Bachelor’s from the University of Kentucky, master’s from USC … but HTM from experience!
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER HTM?
A: After graduate school, I received a job offer from Aramark HCT. I had no idea what it was, but they said I would be working in training, so I was excited and interested. I am still learning something new every day.
Q: HOW DID YOU CHOOSE TO GET INTO THIS FIELD?
A: I got into HTM by accident, but I am choosing to stay because of the people I support and the amazing things they are doing. The field is our frontline and they seem to often be un-sung heroes – I would like to take part in changing that.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR POSITION?
A: Even on hard days, knowing that I am impacting the health and safety of others in a positive way, even if indirectly, is what keeps me going.
Q: WHAT INTERESTS YOU THE MOST ABOUT HTM?
A: For such a “small industry,” it is also very vast; there are so many types of roles and specialties. With that “small” industry, though, I really appreciate the camaraderie amongst those in the HTM field. We are all one happy little family!
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR FIELD THUS FAR?
A: The creation of the TRIMEDX Trained program – an internal training program for TRIMEDX Associates. This is a big win for TRIMEDX and will continue to grow, but I could not have done any of it without the support from my team, from TRIMEDX and from the amazing vendors we partnered with.
Q: WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
A: I am very interested in data analytics and efficiency, so a leadership role relative to that would be very interesting to me.
FUN FACTS
FAVORITE HOBBY: Cooking
FAVORITE SHOW OR MOVIE: “Dexter” and “Inglorious Basterds”
FAVORITE MEAL: Eggs Benedict or cheesecake
WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERPOWER BE?
Speaking any and all languages fluently
1 THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST: Sky Diving
SOMETHING YOUR CO-WORKERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
Not much! We are a tight little team!
DEPARTMENT OF THE MONTH
Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region/ Crothall HTS Biomedical Services Department
BY K. RICHARD DOUGLAS
Massena, Gouverneur and Potsdam, New York, are in the northern portion of the state in the county of St. Lawrence, a stones-throw from Canada. Potsdam has a college presence and all three towns have hospitals.
The hospitals, Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, Massena Hospital and Gouverneur Hospital are a part of the St. Lawrence Region of Rochester Regional Health.
The three St. Lawrence Region hospitals have their medical device inventories managed by one biomed department.
“Crothall Healthcare Technology Solutions leads the biomed department throughout Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region (SLR), through a trusted partnership, delivering reliable support and ensuring quality care. This diverse and dedicated group of professionals, committed to excellence in healthcare technology management, includes experienced BMETs, ISEs, administrative staff, apprentices, and interns,” says Matthew Martin, the SLHS director of Biomedical Services.
In addition to Martin, the team is made up of nine members.
The department also includes a lead engineer and imaging service engineer II, an imaging service engineer I, a BMET II and three BMET Is. There is also a clinical engineering coordinator and a BMET intern, who is a fourth-year UVM biomedical engineering student, and two apprentices.
The biomed team supports three hospitals within the St.
Lawrence Region and 37 outpatient clinics. The hospitals include: Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH), a 109-bed facility and level 3 trauma center, Massena Hospital (MH), a 25-bed critical access facility and Gouverneur Hospital (GH), a 25-bed critical access facility.
“Together, the team manages and maintains an inventory of 7,259 assets across SLR, ensuring the highest standards in medical equipment management and patient care,” Martin says.
He says that in January 2021, the SLR became an affiliate of Rochester Regional Health (RRH), a larger six-hospital system in Western New York. He says that the whole of the SLR is now fully integrated into RRH.
The team supplements their reach with two apprentices.
“Our department is proud to be part of AAMI’s Apprenticeship Program, which has allowed us to mentor two apprentices. Christopher T., a Year 2 paid apprentice, and Islan M., a Year 1 paid apprentice. Both Christopher and Islan are integral members of our team. Their primary focus is to learn fundamental biomedical skills through the apprenticeship program. When not in class, they assist with maintenance and repairs, contributing to the department’s overall efficiency,” Martin says.
The department has a high degree of interaction with its IT colleagues through reporting structure.
“The biomed department reports directly to the St. Lawrence Region Chief Information Officer (CIO), underscoring our high level of CE/IT integration. More than 50% of the medical devices are connected to hospital systems, including all patient monitoring equipment, which interfaces with the EPIC EMR across all three hospitals. Additionally, all imaging assets are integrated with both PACS and EPIC,” Martin says.
The Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region/Crothall HTS Biomedical Services Department supports three hospitals and 37 outpatient clinics.
EQUIPPING A NEW EXPANSION
New construction and expansion projects can be some of the biggest projects for biomed departments, in addition to their more routine duties. The Crothall/St. Lawrence team has tackled this challenge in recent months.
“The biomed department is fortunate to contribute to a variety of special projects. Our most recent and largest project is the Regional Care Pavilion expansion at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital main campus. This expansion features a new 14-bed certified level 3 trauma center and emergency department, as well as two new med-surg floors, totaling 60 state-of-the-art private rooms with private bathrooms,” Martin says.
He says that these rooms are equipped with the latest Masimo Root monitoring systems with wireless VSM, Gen 2 smart beds from Stryker Medical and Procuity wireless secure connect beds, all integrated into the critical alert nurse call system.
“This integration assists with fall risk monitoring by reducing the height of the beds to minimize fall-related injuries and improves patient safety through visual and audible notifications. The Masimo technology allows patients to remain mobile while being continuously monitored, contributing toward moving along their recovery process,” Martin says.
He says that phase 2 of the project will integrate these systems with the EPIC EMR, further enhancing care for high-fall-risk patients.
“This integration will also eliminate the need for manual vital signs monitoring, as continuous monitoring data will feed directly into EPIC electronic medical record, improving nursing workflow,” Martin adds.
The Regional Care Pavillion at Canton-Potsdam Hospital had its ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening in October of 2024.
The team has also tackled some problem-solving challenges for their clinical counterparts.
“One notable example of our department’s problemsolving efforts came when we addressed a clinical nursing issue related to patient monitoring. The challenge involved the need for continuous cardiac monitoring for patients moving into the new facility, as the existing cardiac monitoring technology was confined to the current ICU,” Martin says.
He says that the solution involved creating a central monitoring unit (CMU) to consolidate patient monitoring from the new departments into a single location.
“This required relocating the Philips telemetry central stations from the ICU to the CMU. The new building is monitored by GE telemetry systems, with intermediate care rooms utilizing hardwired GE bedside monitors and med/surg rooms equipped with Masimo Root wireless monitoring,” Martin says.
He says that a significant challenge in this process was the distance – over 1,000 feet – between the legacy ICU and the new CMU.
“To address this, the team implemented POE video ethernet extenders and receivers using fiber optics, along with a dedicated VLAN on the hospital’s network, to transmit monitoring data to the new nursing stations. The new CMU will have the capacity to monitor up to 12 central stations across three hospitals, including a mix of Masimo, Philips and GE systems. The goal is to enhance patient safety through alarm monitoring to ensure timely response and resolution,” Martin adds.
Outside of the work place, two members of the team are currently participating in the AAMI Apprenticeship Program and most of the staff is preparing to take the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician exam next fall.
The Crothall/SLHS team is handling every challenge as it arrives.
HANDS-ON TRAINING
Our training program at Tri-Imaging transcends traditional education by instilling skills that will resonate throughout your professional journey for years to come. Unlike conventional training experiences focused solely on facts and figures, we prioritize imparting practical, applicable skills.
Our commitment extends to fostering a deep understanding of the intricate inner workings of various devices and machines that our students will service in their careers. Here at Tri-Imaging we believe in nurturing individual growth, and to that end, we provide one-on-one assistance for each student.
Step into the future of education with Tri-Imaging, where our training program transcends boundaries to equip you with skills that stand the test of time.
NEWS & NOTES
Updates from the HTM Industry
NEW AEM STANDARD UNVEILED
Alternate equipment management (AEM) plans for medical devices can create friction between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and organizations that purchase and maintain those devices.
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has released an industry standard that clarifies the issue. Since the 2014 CMS Survey & Certification Group letter allowing certain AEM activities, accrediting bodies and healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals have debated over compliance.
ANSI/AAMI EQ103:2024; Alternate equipment management (AEM) program in healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) settles these questions by clearly establishing the minimum requirements for an AEM program. HTM service providers and healthcare delivery organizations like hospitals that adhere to the standard can be confident in the safety and conformance of their program.
EQ103 also provides concrete guidance for healthcare delivery organizations seeking to meet the Conditions of Participation set by CMS. It addresses:
• The minimum required components of an AEM program.
• The development and implementation of preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance.
SAGE SERVICES GROUP CELEBRATES BUSY YEAR
Sage Services Group is off and running in 2025!
A recent email noted that the company is enjoying a busy start to 2025 and looking forward to another year of helping healthcare technology managers be more efficient in regards to time and budget.
A busy start to the new year mirrors the productive stats from 2024.
In 2024 Sage Services Group:
• Sold 486,450 cables
• Completed 16,350 equipment repairs
• Program performance, such as quality, safety, reliability, and care availability.
• Additional resources from CMS and its State Operations Manual.
EQ103 was produced by AAMI’s Alternate Equipment Management (AEM) Working Group, led by co-chairs Maggie Berkey, biomedical equipment specialist at Bio-Electronics, and Colleen Haugen-Ortiz, healthcare technology management quality specialist at GE HealthCare. According to Berkey, HTM professionals can use the standard to “make sure that at a minimum you have every single ‘T’ crossed and ‘i’ dotted when you go and talk to your accrediting body.”
Haugen-Ortiz noted that EQ103 was written to facilitate uniformity and easy adoption. AAMI’s experts made sure to “compare what we [AAMI] were doing with what’s currently out there,” including “requirements from CMS and The Joint Commission, and other AAMI standards such as EQ56 and EQ89.”
ANSI/AAMI EQ103 is expected to be a helpful resource for HTM professionals and their employers as they seek to deliver quality patient care. Further, AAMI intends to release a forthcoming technical information report (TIR) on AEM implementation to provide further guidance.
• Tallied 565,000 miles driven
• Attended 14 trade shows
• Gave away 10,187 freebie screwdrivers
• Earned 1 outstanding vendor award as an inaugural winner of a Tech Choice Award
Some of the accolades Sage Services Group received leading up to the award presentation included phrases like “very helpful,” “top customer service,” “repairs equipment efficiently,” “great turnaround time” and “the convenience of working with them and their repair process is impeccable.”
INDUSTRY UPDATES
FED SEEK UPDATED HIPAA SECURITY RULE
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), issued a proposed rule to improve cybersecurity and better protect the U.S health care system from a growing number of cyberattacks. The proposed rule would modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule to require health plans, health care clearinghouses (an organization that enables the exchange of health care data between a provider and a payer (insurance company)), and most health care providers, and their business associates, to strengthen cybersecurity protections for individuals’ protected health information. This proposed rule is the latest step taken by OCR to address more frequent cyberattacks targeting the U.S. health care system, consistent with the HHS Healthcare and Public Health critical infrastructure sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals.
“The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks in the health care sector pose a direct and significant threat to patient safety,” said Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. “These attacks endanger patients by exposing vulnerabilities in our health care system, degrading patient trust, disrupting patient care, diverting patients, and delaying medical procedures. This proposed rule is a vital step to ensuring that health care providers, patients, and communities are not only better prepared to face a cyberattack, but are also more secure and resilient.”
OCR has seen a substantial increase in reports of large breach reports received over the last five years. From 2018-2023, reports of large breaches increased by 102 percent, and the number of individuals affected by such breaches increased by 1002 percent,
THE JOINT COMMISSION UPDATES SURVEY PROCESS
The Joint Commission is introducing several enhancements to its survey processes in 2025. These answer the call to modernize its tools, alleviate burden, and provide better communications tools for use across stakeholders within our organizations. The enhancements, with program applicability, include:
• A more user-friendly, redesigned survey report optimized to share insights in a clear and prioritized way, including an executive summary, to help organizations better understand and address their survey findings. Applicable to all accredited, certified and verified healthcare organizations.
• An improved SAFER® Matrix will use short descriptors to supplement standard and element of performance (EP) numbers. This use of short names will make it easier for healthcare leaders to understand areas of strength and opportunity. Applicable to all accredited organizations.
• The new SAFER Peer Benchmarking tool shows how hospitals perform compared to peers. Hospitals can determine if their performance is better, the same or worse than other similar organizations based on size, services delivered, or other
primarily because of increases in hacking and ransomware attacks. In 2023, over 167 million individuals were affected by large breaches – a new record. Since 2019, large breaches caused by hacking and ransomware have increased 89 percent and 102 percent.
Accordingly, the proposed rule would modify the HIPAA Security Rule to require health plans, health care clearinghouses, and most health care providers, and their business associates to better protect individuals’ electronic protected health information against both external and internal threats. It would clarify and provide more specific instruction about what covered entities and their business associates must do to protect the security of electronic protected health information. The proposed rule also would require that policies and procedures be in writing, reviewed, tested, and updated on a regular basis. Additionally, it would better align the Security Rule with modern best practices in cybersecurity. These proposals address:
• Changes in the environment in which health care is provided.
• Significant increases in breaches and cyberattacks.
• Common deficiencies OCR has observed in investigations into Security Rule compliance by covered entities and their business associates.
• Other cybersecurity guidelines, best practices, methodologies, procedures, and processes.
• Court decisions that affect enforcement of the Security Rule. While the Department is undertaking this rule making, the current Security Rule remains in effect.
demographics. Applicable to accredited hospitals.
• An optional new process will allow organizations to upload survey-related documents during any survey type via their Joint Commission Connect®; extranet site. The easy access will make it more efficient for sharing documents during a survey. Applicable to hospital, critical access hospital, and hospital tailored accreditation programs.
• The for-cause survey process has been modified to help organizations better understand the process. The general reason for the survey will be communicated, survey plan discussed, and at the close surveyors will provide a verbal overview of observations. Applicable to all accredited, certified and verified healthcare organizations.
The Joint Commission will continue to work with our accredited and certified organizations to find high priority areas of opportunity to improve both the experience and the learnings from surveys and reviews to enable and affirm the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety for all.
The latest news and events from TechNation
MUST-ATTEND HTM EVENTS FOR 2025
Healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals, it’s time to plan your 2025 calendar! TechNation magazine, in partnership with MD Publishing, is thrilled to present a premier lineup of HTM events designed to help you elevate your career, build connections, and engage with top vendors and innovators in the healthcare technology field.
HTM Mixers are the ultimate destination for HTM professionals looking to expand their skills and network in a regional conference setting. These events offer a more intimate experience compared to MD Expo, while still delivering impactful continuing education, exhibitor engagement, and networking opportunities.
HTM MIXER DENVER
Dates: May 15-16
Location: Omni Interlocken Hotel, Denver, CO
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the Omni Interlocken Hotel offers the perfect location for both professional development and outdoor exploration. Conveniently located near Denver, Boulder, and Estes Park, this venue is ideal for attendees seeking a mix of education and relaxation.
This Mixer is proudly supported by the Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians (CABMET), one of the oldest biomedical societies in the U.S., founded in 1974. CABMET is dedicated to advancing the careers of HTM professionals worldwide through education and professional development.
ENTER TECHNATION’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY CONTEST
HTM MIXER MILWAUKEE
Dates: July 31-August 1
Location: Downtown Milwaukee, connected to the Wisconsin Convention Center
Located in the heart of Milwaukee, this Mixer offers the perfect combination of professional learning and leisure. The venue is within walking distance of popular attractions like the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Public Museum, offering attendees a chance to explore the city while advancing their careers.
This Mixer is proudly supported by the Wisconsin Biomedical Association (WBA), a group dedicated to providing education, networking, and year-round professional events for HTM professionals.
Why Attend a HTM Mixer Milwaukee?
• Earn continuing education credits in a collaborative setting
• Explore solutions in a dynamic exhibit hall
• Build meaningful connections with peers and industry experts
Learn more and register at HTMmixer.com.
Enter the contest and help TechNation celebrate. Fill out the short form at 1technation.com/contest for a chance to win one of 12 prizes, each valued at $150 or more!
Additional entries to win can be acquired by sharing on LinkedIn or submitting a photo. Each month, a winner will be selected and featured in TechNation magazine! January’s winner is Mayra Becerra.
Find out more information on Page 78.
2024 HTM Mixer Indy
REGISTER FOR MD EXPO
MD Expo, the premier event for healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals, is thrilled to announce that registration for the Southern California edition is now open! This is your opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge technologies, and gain insights that will elevate your professional career.
MD Expo is scheduled for April 15-17, 2025, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.
MD Expo is designed to provide an unparalleled experience for clinical engineers, biomedical technicians, directors, managers, and other HTM professionals. Here’s what makes MD Expo stand out:
• Expert-Led Education: Hear from industry-leading speakers on critical topics such as compliance, IT, cybersecurity, and equipment service.
• Exceptional Networking Opportunities: Build relationships and exchange best practices with peers at one-of-a-kind networking events.
• World-Class Exhibit Hall: Explore the latest products, services,
and technologies shaping the future of HTM.
The exclusive TN20 Leadership Summit will return, offering selected HTM leaders the chance to share innovative ideas, build connections, and discuss industry trends. Apply today to secure your spot as one of the TN20 participants!
“I always return from the Summit with great ideas that I bring back to my organization and implement,” said Ray Laxton, MBA/ MHA, Administrative Director, Sutter Health eQuip.
Join us at MD Expo Southern California to experience the energy, education, and community that sets this conference apart.
Visit mdexposhow.com to register and learn more.
TREND-SETTING WEBINAR WEDNESDAY DELIVERS CE CREDIT
TechNation’s Webinar Wednesday series began with an idea and a belief that we could answer an industry need for ongoing, easily accessible continuing education opportunities. MD Publishing (TechNation’s parent company) has long discussed ways to continue the popularity and success of MD Expo’s accredited classes, and felt a monthly webinar series would be the best vehicle.
Webinar Wednesday is now in its 11th year of delivering top-notch education via live webinars while also offering ondemand versions of previous presentations. Each session is eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
In 2023, TechNation introduced Live Tools of the Trade
NOMINATE A RISING STAR IN HTM!
Do you know a rising star in the healthcare technology management (HTM) field? Nominations are open for the 2025 40 Under 40, powered by YP at MD! Now in its 4th year, this prestigious program recognizes the next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of HTM.
Each year, TechNation celebrates a diverse group of young professionals who exemplify innovation, excellence and progress in the HTM industry. Last year’s honorees demonstrated remarkable intelligence, creativity, and dedication – and now it’s your chance to shine a spotlight on the next wave of exceptional talent.
WHY NOMINATE?
This is your opportunity to help us highlight the outstanding achievements of young professionals under 40 who are making a difference in HTM. By nominating someone, you’re not only recognizing their hard work but also inspiring others
Demos as part of the Webinar Wednesday lineup. The series proved so popular that plans are underway to offer two Tools of the Trade Live Demos each month in 2025.
Register for the next webinar and/or view an on-demand session today at WebinarWednesday.live
in the field to aim higher and achieve more.
Submitting a nomination is simple and impactful. Visit 1technation.com/2025-40under-40/ to complete the nomination form. But don’t delay – the submission deadline is April 25, 2025.
Let’s ensure the brightest minds in HTM get the recognition they deserve!
Together, we can honor the talent, innovation, and dedication driving the HTM industry forward. Don’t wait –nominate a rising star today!
For more information about YP at MD, visit 1technation.com/yp.
RIBBON CUTTING
GMED ONE Inc.
GMED ONE is a high-quality partner for surgical and biomedical repair services. Since 2011 its passionate staff has focused on saving hospitals, OB/GYN centers, ambulatory centers, and other surgical clinics money, GMED ONE acts as consultants to your business, providing comprehensive repair and equipment sales services. GMED ONE will deliver exceptional customer service to ensure your needs are met.
GMED ONE has the technical depth and a supply chain to ensure that equipment is repaired exactly the way it was intended. Its partner labs are ISO:13485 certified, which means you can count on our repair to meet OEM standards.
National Account Manager Karli DeFilippis recently shared more information about GMED ONE and its plans for the future.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SERVICES AND PRODUCTS YOU OFFER?
DeFilippis: At GMED ONE, we are a company that repairs any device that can fit in a box. As a company that started in the repairs of surgical power tools and scopes,
Karli DeFilippis National Account Manager
we have grown into a repair and sales company that can repair any device that can be shipped to our lab.
Q: HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY STAND OUT IN THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FIELD?
DeFilippis: We are experts in all the devices we repair. Many of our consultants have medical backgrounds and understand how the devices are used along with how they work. This gives us an edge in helping our customers understand all their options from repair to replacement. In addition, we are a company that is committed to picking up and dropping off the repairs for our customers. We think this provides incredible value and allows us to be a true partner with our customers.
Q: WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR COMPANY?
DeFilippis: We are excited to launch our filed service division. We now have field services available in imaging, surgery and general biomedical modalities.
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW?
DeFilippis: When you work with GMED ONE, the answer “no” does not exist in our operations. We will always find a way to solve a problem for our customers with any piece of equipment or part.
Managing product recalls in healthcare is a complex and timesensitive process that requires precision, accuracy, and streamlined workflows. With the high stakes involved in ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance, healthcare organizations need effective systems to stay ahead of recalls and mitigate associated risks. The partnership between ECRI and Workday offers a powerful solution to professionals who manage recalls, improving efficiency and reducing the manual effort traditionally required.
The ECRI Product Recalls for Workday solution is a breakthrough in recall management. This integration brings ECRI’s trusted Recall Alerts content directly into the Workday platform, making it easier for healthcare organizations to manage recalls from a single interface. By combining ECRI’s extensive recall data with Workday’s robust management tools, healthcare providers can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their recall processes.
STREAMLINED INTEGRATION OF RECALL ALERTS
One of the standout features of the ECRI and Workday partnership is the seamless integration of ECRI’s Recall Alerts content data within the Workday platform. This integration allows users to view and manage crucial recall information directly within the Workday interface, eliminating the need for redundant data entry between systems. Previously, recall managers had to manually input data from external sources into their internal systems, leading to delays, inconsistencies, and increased risk of errors. With this integration, those
manual steps are minimized, reducing the chances of discrepancies and accelerating response times.
INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND REDUCED REDUNDANCY
By integrating ECRI’s Alerts Workflow Recall Management system directly into the Workday Recall Management tool, healthcare organizations can achieve greater operational efficiency. Recall managers no longer need to navigate multiple systems to retrieve, update, and act on recall information. The integration consolidates critical data into one place, making it easier to manage recalls, track progress, and ensure timely actions are taken.
This improved workflow not only saves time, but also reduces redundancy, allowing staff to focus on higher-priority tasks. With fewer manual steps involved, the recall management process becomes faster, smoother, and less prone to human error.
FASTER RESPONSE TIMES FOR INCREASED PATIENT SAFETY
ECRI’s Recall Alerts content provides healthcare organizations with critical information days, weeks, or even months ahead of FDA’s official recall notices. This early warning system enables healthcare providers to respond more proactively to potential risks, which is crucial when dealing with time-sensitive product recalls. By receiving advanced alerts, organizations can take swift action to remove or replace affected products before they cause harm to patients.
The ability to act earlier not only improves patient safety, but also strengthens regulatory compliance. Healthcare organizations that can promptly respond to recalls are less likely to face penalties or reputational damage. The ECRI and Workday integration empowers organizations to stay ahead of recalls and protect their patients and operations more effectively.
MINIMIZING OPERATIONAL DISRUPTIONS
A product recall’s operational impact can be significant, often
leading to disrupted workflows, strained resources, and increased administrative burden. ECRI’s Recall Alerts content, combined with Workday’s automated workflow features, helps reduce these disruptions by streamlining the entire recall management process. Recall managers can quickly assess the recall’s scope, identify affected products, and communicate with the necessary departments or external parties without unnecessary delays.
The integration also reduces the need for duplicate work and manual crosschecking, which helps organizations avoid operational bottlenecks that can otherwise slow recall resolution. By ensuring that all recall-related tasks are managed efficiently and in real-time, this partnership helps healthcare organizations maintain smooth operations even during complex recall events.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE AND REDUCING RISK
Compliance with recall protocols and regulatory requirements is essential in healthcare. Failing to adhere to proper recall procedures can lead to serious consequences, including legal liabilities and regulatory penalties. The integration of ECRI’s Recall Alerts within Workday’s platform ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped with the tools they need to comply with these critical standards.
ECRI’s Alerts Workflow Recall Management system is designed to help organizations reduce risk by notifying them of potential issues well in advance of regulatory bodies. By acting sooner and more efficiently, healthcare providers can minimize their exposure to costly penalties or safety incidents. The integrated system not only helps with compliance, but also tracks every action taken during the recall process, creating a clear audit trail that demonstrates adherence to best practices.
DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The partnership between ECRI and Workday also allows for enhanced reporting and analytics. Workday’s advanced analytics tools enable users to generate detailed reports on recall status, inventory levels, and compliance metrics. These insights are crucial for organizations looking to improve their recall management practices over time. By analyzing trends and identifying areas for improvement, healthcare professionals can refine their recall strategies and strengthen their preparedness for future events.
CONCLUSION
The integration of ECRI’s Recall Alerts content with Workday’s Recall Management system represents a major leap forward in streamlining recall processes for healthcare organizations. By reducing redundancy, minimizing manual effort, and providing earlier notifications of potential risks, this partnership empowers healthcare professionals to manage recalls more efficiently, ultimately enhancing patient safety and operational performance.
For recall managers, this solution offers a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of recall management, ensuring that organizations can respond quickly and effectively to protect both patients and their bottom line. With the combined expertise of ECRI and Workday, healthcare providers can confidently address recalls, mitigate risks, and drive better outcomes across the board.
Last year, AAMI leadership attended the 2024 edition of the Dental Fix Summit, seeking opportunities to support the dental field and its patients using AAMI standards. Dental Fix is an annual event run by UptimeHealth and the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology (CBET). According to CBET President Richard “Monty” Gonzales, “This collaboration between UptimeHealth and CBET represents a significant step forward in providing top-notch education and resources to the biomedical and dental equipment repair community. We are committed to supporting these technicians as they continue to drive innovation and excellence in their field.”
Recognizing the potential to further support AAMI’s mission, Chief Learning and Development Officer Robert Burroughs and Vice President of HTM Danielle McGeary attended the event. AAMI’s commitment to promoting the safe and effective use of health technology strongly aligns to the needs of the dental field. Burroughs said, “We’re here to learn more and figure out how we can help.” McGeary noted key differences in regulatory practices between hospitals and independent dental clinics. While dental clinics that are within health delivery organizations adhere to the same regulatory requirements and standards as hospitals, independent dental clinics are not bound by these same regulations. With an estimated 130,000 independent dental practices nationwide, this represents a
significant area for potential standardization and support. As McGeary explains, “Health delivery organizations are regulated by CMS, and their Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements depend on their compliance with CMS’s standards. Because of this, HDOs are audited by agencies that accredit on behalf of CMS, such as the DNV or the Joint Commission, regularly.”
Burroughs added that independent dental practices are evolving, and their technology is rapidly becoming more complex. “As you see dental practices scaling, you’ll see much of what you saw in traditional healthcare. You’ll see a rising level of standardization and formality along with the introduction of new, cutting-edge technology that must be managed.” With decades of experience guiding the healthcare technology management (HTM) field through similar transitions, AAMI is well-positioned to help dental practices prepare for these technological changes.
Burroughs and McGeary made these comments during a short interview series conducted at the Dental Fix Summit. You can find these interviews on UptimeServices’ LinkedIn page.
Independent dental clinics are sometimes challenged as they try to ensure their health technology is properly maintained, as there is a lack of industry standards that establish best practices around medical device servicing. This is an area where AAMI’s expertise could be valuable, providing guidance for effective and efficient predictive and preventative maintenance, along with strategic equipment replacement planning.
AAMI’s approach to standards and best practices for HTM could be instrumental in supporting dental equipment servicing technicians across the United States. Since
dental care is healthcare and dental equipment servicing is a specialty within HTM, there’s a unique opportunity to bridge the gap by bringing formalized servicing practices into the dental sector. AAMI’s experience guiding other healthcare areas through similar evolutions positions us well to assist independent dental practices as they adapt to increased standardization and regulatory expectations. This collaboration not only advances patient safety but also strengthens the role of dental technicians as key players in HTM. As AAMI expands its focus into the dental field, we look forward to making a positive impact that benefits patients and HTM professionals.
Note from AAMI’s Editor: This isn’t the first time AAMI has worked with professionals from the dental field. In 2020, AAMI announced a collaboration with the American Dental Association, bringing ADA expertise into a newly formed working group, ST - WG 44 Steam Sterilization Dental Practices. Unlike the new HTM efforts, this project focuses on developing a joint AAMI-ADA standard for steam sterilization practices and sterility assurance in dental facilities. Standards development is a years-long process requiring the input of all kinds of expert stakeholders. Parties interested in participating in this standards work should contact Thomas Kim (tkim@aami.org) for more information.
• MEDICAL DEVICE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE
Onsite and 24x7 on-call services for most medical devices, surgical and lab equipment.
• SHORT AND LONG TERM BIOMEDICAL STAFFING
On-demand BMET/HTM Technician(s) & Manufacture Remediation/Recall Support
• ENDOSCOPE REPAIRS
Repair estimate within 48 hours, quick turnaround time & extensive list of Loaners available at no charge
• INFUSION DEVICE ANNUAL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
MMS will deploy a team of technicians to your facility to complete Annual Periodic Maintenance on your Infusion Pumps
• EQUIPMENT SALES
All types of medical equipment- new or refubished
BIOMED 101
‘I am The Answer’
BY BRYANT HAWKINS
Icame across this 30-second short on Instagram, and it hit me like a lightning bolt. It made me stop and think about everything we’re up against as healthcare technology management professionals, and I realized I had to share this with you. Because you need to hear this. This is going to elevate your mindset, shift your energy, and put you on another level entirely.
Listen closely: those challenges you’re facing, those relentless obstacles. They’re not random. They’re a signal. They exist because they see your potential. Those struggles? They’re testing you. They’ve already done the math on your skills, your courage, your resolve and they know something you need to believe: “You are the Solution.”
Maybe you’ve been questioning your path. Maybe you’ve wondered if what you do really matters. Maybe you’ve felt like the weight of everything is too much. But let me tell you something, loud and clear, you are not here by accident. Every piece of you: every strength, every failure, every lesson, has
built you for this. You have what it takes, and it’s time to embrace that. From this day forward, you’re going to walk taller, talk with purpose, and remind yourself daily: “I am the answer.”
Think about what you’ve witnessed. The broken systems, the inefficiencies that slow down progress, the teams that feel undervalued. Those aren’t just problems, they’re opportunities. They’re challenges waiting for you to step in, rise up, and create change. You’re not just here to maintain the status quo, you’re here to innovate, inspire and elevate.
1. THE CRITICAL REPAIR
Picture this: a ventilator goes down in the middle of a busy day. The clinical staff is panicking, patients are at risk, and time is of the essence. And then, you step in. You diagnose the issue, fix the problem, and restore functionality. But what you’ve done is so much more than just a repair, you’ve enabled the clinical team to do what they do best. You’ve saved time, lives, and confidence. “You are the answer” in moments like this, where precision and urgency collide.
2. BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS TEAMS
Communication between clinical staff and HTM professionals often feels like two different languages. Misunderstandings create tension, but “you are the one” who can change that. By stepping up, facilitating conversations, and educating teams on the importance of HTM professionals, you foster collaboration. You’re not just fixing equipment: you’re fixing relationships, ensuring everyone works together to achieve the same goal. Better patient care. “You are the answer!”
3. MENTORING THE FUTURE
The HTM workforce is aging, and the next generation is still finding its way. That’s where you come in. By mentoring new technicians, advocating for the profession, and sharing your experiences, you’re planting seeds that will grow into the future of this industry. You’re not just solving problems today; you’re building the leaders of tomorrow. That legacy is priceless. “You are the answer!”
transform the ordinary into extraordinary.
So, right now, I want you to declare it: “I am the answer.” Say it. Feel it. Own it. And let me tell you, only a few people will truly grasp the power of those words. But the ones who do? They’ll be the ones who lead, the ones who innovate, the ones who elevate this industry into something greater than ever before. “You are one of those people.”
I’m the one who’s going to change the industry, one step, one process, one breakthrough at a time.
This isn’t just about solving technical problems. It’s about creating shifts professionally and personally. If doubt, negativity or frustration have crept into your environment, “you are the one who will break that cycle.” You are not here to simply get by. You are here to lead a movement, to turn obstacles into opportunities, to
From today on, you’re not just fixing equipment: you’re fixing standards. You’re not just solving problems: you’re shaping futures. Every time you walk into a room, every time you solve a problem no one else could, every time you share your knowledge with someone else, you’re proving it: “I am the answer.”
And if someone asks you why you believe in yourself so strongly, you tell them: “Because I’m the one who’s going to change this industry, one step, one process, one breakthrough at a time.”
You’re not just in HTM. You’re transforming HTM. “You are the answer.” Now, go out there and show the world.
Bryant Hawkins is a TRIMEDX Site Leader and creator of the HTM On The Line podcast.
High Performance Gas Flow Analyzers
LIVE DEMO: MARCH 5 at 2PM ET
Registration on WebinarWednesday.live.
Eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Tri-Imaging Solutions Platform XperTIS
Tri-Imaging Solutions recently introduced its innovative platform, XperTIS. It is designed to revolutionize supply chain management, engineer performance, and system monitoring.The platform enhances system uptime by enabling system monitoring and equipping engineers with diagnostic capabilities to identify and resolve issues. A library of step-by-step video tutorials and instructions are available to engineers guiding them through installations and repairs. The ability to order
parts directly, track shipments and manage RMAs streamlines the parts ordering process. With a focus on efficiency and empowerment, Tri-Imaging’s platform ensures equipment runs at peak performance, reduces downtime, and optimizes supply chain operations setting a new standard for the industry.
For more information, visit triimaging.com.
LIVE DEMO: MARCH 19 at 2PM ET
Registration on WebinarWednesday.live.
Eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Soma Tech Intl
Capital Equipment Service
Soma Tech Intl’s Capital Equipment Service provides expert repair, maintenance, and calibration for medical equipment, carried out by CBET- and CRES-certified biomedical engineers. Adhering to JCAHO standards, services include depot and field repairs, preventive maintenance, and tailored service contracts to meet the unique needs of healthcare facilities. From annual
inspections to comprehensive plans covering labor, travel, and expedited parts shipping, Soma ensures reliability and extends equipment lifespan. Additionally, it offers an extensive inventory of medical parts, accessories and technical support.
For more information, visit somatechnology.com.
Surgical Equipment:
• Rigid Scopes
• Flexible Scopes
• Cameras
• Instruments
• Ortho Power
• Fiber Optic Cables
Biomedical Equipment:
• Ultrasound Probes/TEE
• Patient Monitors
• MRI Coils
• On-Site QA Probe Testing
Welcome to GMED ONE, where we have been setting the gold standard in biomedical repair services since 2011. As a leader in the field, we pride ourselves on our reputation for excellence, trust, and unparalleled service.
Our mission is to provide fast, reliable repairs on a wide range of medical equipment, ensuring that healthcare professionals can continue to deliver the highest quality care to their patients.
CLAROTY XDOME DEMO DELIVERS INSIGHTS & CE CREDIT
The January Tools of the Trade LIVE Demo of the Claroty xDome (formerly Medigate by Claroty) was presented by Claroty’s Principal Product Marketing Manager Adina Schoeneman.
Schoeneman examined the industry’s leading healthcare cyber-physical systems protection platform-enabling healthcare organizations to safely deliver connected care while enhancing efficiencies across the clinical environment. She also fielded questions during the live session and provided insightful answers that delivered additional knowledge to attendees.
The session was eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI and was sponsored by Claroty.
Claroty xDome spans the entire healthcare cybersecurity journey regardless of the scale or maturity of your environment through asset inventory, exposure management, network protection, threat detection, and operational efficiency.
As a modular solution, Claroty xDome is suited for organizations at any stage in their healthcare cybersecurity journey, regardless of their scale, staffing, or program maturity. The solution consists of platform essentials, offering foundational capabilities across all core areas mentioned above, as well as advanced modules that provide increased value and enhanced programmatic capabilities.
CLICK. WATCH. EARN.
As a trusted healthcare cybersecurity company, Claroty empowers HDOs to comprehensively monitor and manage risk across their healthcare Extended Internet of Things (XIoT) environment. Whether it be through a medical device or a building management system, attack surfaces grow as connected assets expand, creating security blind spots that pose risks to availability, integrity, and safety. Claroty tackles these risks to ensure cyber and operational resilience are within your reach.
The webinar was a popular session with 99 registrations and 58 online for the live presentation. Attendees from around the globe logged in for the webinar including people in Europe and Africa. A recording of the webinar is available for on-demand viewing at WebinarWednesday.live.
Sam Feldman of Boston won a $25 Amazon gift card during the webinar.
Attendees were asked, “What was your single biggest takeaway from today’s product demo?”
“It is so helpful to have webinars that make it easy for learning and meeting our continuing educational needs. Always has great presenters and information,” said Lynn Crowley, a mammogram technologist with Green Valley OB/GYN.
SHOP TALK
POWERED BY
MedWrench is an online resource for medical equipment professionals (biomeds, HTMs, imaging professionals, etc...) to engage with their peers about medical equipment repairs, source parts and locate a service company. The following are examples of how the MedWrench community members help each other in the website’s forums.
A: Cable is disonnected. Please power off gantry and power on again
A: First you need check HV tank.
SAMSUNG - WS80A ELITE
Q: I recently bought a used Samsung WS80A, and I am getting an error message that says “Failed to connect a trackball and a keyboard”, but the trackpad and keyboard are working fine. Could someone please help me with this? Do I need an admin password to restore settings? A software update?
A: This implies the system encountered an issue during the connection process for these peripherals and suggests a simple troubleshooting step: restarting the system. Restarting often resolves hardware connection issues caused by temporary glitches or incomplete initializations.
A: This recommends a straightforward troubleshooting step: restarting the system. It also shows that the system experienced a problem during the connection procedure for certain devices. Hardware connection problems brought on
by brief hiccups or insufficient initializations are frequently fixed by restarting.
A: Most likely a faulty keyboard.
For more FREE forum information, visit medwrench.com/forums.
CLICK. WATCH. EARN!
LIVE WEBINARS
MARCH 5
SPONSORED BY
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
All webinars, podcast, and product demos are eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
SPONSORED BY
TOOLS OF THE TRADE The SafeTest 60+
Save the date for this live webinar. Participation is eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
MARCH 12
SPONSORED BY
WEBINAR WEDNESDAY
Save the date for this live webinar. Participation is eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
MARCH 19
SPONSORED BY
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Save the date for this live webinar. Participation is eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI.
MARCH 26
SPONSORED BY
Save the date for this live webinar. Participation is eligible for 1 CE credit from the ACI. SOLUTIONS
SPONSORED BY
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Life Spark Medical’s SmartTank - Facilitating and Improving CO2/Gas Module Testing
SPONSORED BY
The Hidden Power of Your RLTS Data: Secrets to Unlocking Asset Performance
WEBINAR WEDNESDAY
WEBINARWEDNESDAY.LIVE
PODCAST
SPONSORED BY
A Day in the Life of a Biomed
ROUNDTABLE Ventilators
As ventilator technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges and opportunities for maintenance professionals. To shed light on the intricacies of ventilator repair, maintenance, and innovation, TechNation invited industry experts to share their knowledge. Together, they share their expertise on common issues, cutting-edge advancements, and practical recommendations for technicians and healthcare facilities managing these critical devices.
Participants in TechNation’s 2025 Ventilator Roundtable article are:
• IMT Analytics ag General Manager Robert Brink
• Renew Biomedical’s John Emerson, CABT
• Soma Tech Intl’s Prafull Kulkarni
Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU ENCOUNTER WHEN PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON VENTILATORS? HOW CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?
Brink: When receiving a ventilator for service, it is important to handle the device as if it contaminated from previous patient use. The cleaning process can sometimes be complicated if you are not prepared or if you have to send components to CSSD for processing. It is good practice to have a clean service set of components on hand to use exclusively for service purposes.
Emerson: Many OEM parts that arrive at the shop have failed quality control checks. Combined with the challenges and delays in obtaining these parts, this nearly doubles the timeline for the entire process. Since there aren’t always available alternatives to sourcing from OEMs, the most effective step a biomedical technician can
Robert Brink IMT Analytics
John Emerson, CABT Renew Biomedical
take is to inform the OEM about any part issues as they occur. It’s important that the organization has a quality management system that includes processes for handling failing parts, including separation of the part and notification to the OEM.
Kulkarni: Ventilators require regular and thorough maintenance, especially when they are not used frequently. These machines are designed for continuous operation, and extended periods of inactivity can lead to issues such as dried-out seals, calibration drift or battery degradation. To prevent these problems, it is essential to have a proactive maintenance schedule that includes regular testing, inspection and cleaning. This will ensure that all components function reliably when needed.
Q: WITH THE ADVANCEMENTS IN VENTILATOR TECHNOLOGY, WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE ARISEN IN TERMS OF REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE?
Brink: Ventilators have built in check programs, and sometimes these do not give you exact problems, but only error codes which can be difficult to troubleshoot. Secondly, multilayer PC boards are designated “nonrepairable” by manufacturers, and have to be replaced as a whole, which can be costly.
Emerson: As a third-party service provider, one of the biggest challenges we see is the lack of access to proprietary tools, software and testing materials from the OEM that are required to perform a thorough PM. Without having access to these resources, our ability to offer maintenance and repairs can be reduced unless directing the repairs back to the OEM. This creates additional delays and device downtime for our customers, and ultimately diminishes our customers’ ability to choose their own service provider.
Kulkarni: As devices become more sophisticated, manufacturers often design components and software to be specific to certain models, limiting the ability to use generic or cross-compatible parts. This can complicate
Prafull Kulkarni SOMA Tech
repairs and maintenance, requiring technicians to stay updated on model-specific training and ensure access to proprietary components and software tools.
Q: ARE THERE ANY CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF VENTILATORS THAT TEND TO WEAR OUT FASTER AND REQUIRE MORE FREQUENT REPLACEMENT?
Brink: Galvanic O2 cells typically have a life of 1 year, but sometimes, due to circumstances or environmental conditions, these fail prematurely. To continue safe ventilation and measurement of FiO2, an alternate O2 monitor must be found, or a new replacement cell must be procured. As they have a shelf life, sometimes these are not held in stock!
Emerson: Critical components that wear out the fastest are those related to the user interface, such as touchscreens, control knobs and keypads. In many cases, this damage is due to misuse rather than a design flaw. A common example is compromised case integrity resulting from drops or blunt force impacts.
Kulkarni: Yes, certain components like batteries and other consumable parts tend to wear out faster and require more frequent replacement. Batteries, in particular, have a limited lifespan and can degrade over time, especially if the ventilator is not in regular use or properly maintained. Consumables, such as filters and tubing, also experience regular wear and tear due to repeated use and sterilization processes.
Q: WHEN ADVISING A HOSPITAL OR CLINIC ON PURCHASING VENTILATORS, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES YOU RECOMMEND THEY CONSIDER?
Brink: Cost of long-term ownership of the device is important. This includes the cost of 6 months, or annual, maintenance and parts. Secondly, does the device need proprietary circuits or accessories for daily use? If yes, you could be caught in ever increasing costs to run your ventilator.
Emerson: A strong relationship with the OEM is crucial for both training and parts supply. Without this partnership, even basic tasks like troubleshooting become significantly more challenging. With ventilators, prioritizing cost over quality is unwise. Often, the most reliable and effective equipment comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its value and performance. It’s also important to understand the manufacturer’s plan for the lifetime of the device to ensure that a new purchase does not become an “end of life” device within the first years of its ownership.
Kulkarni: When advising a hospital or clinic on purchasing ventilators, I stress the importance of several key features. First, accuracy in delivering respiratory support is essential. It’s also important to consider the cost and availability of replacement parts, as well as the overall efficiency of the device in gas consumption. Additionally, the level of automation and ease of use are crucial factors, as these elements directly affect the workflow for healthcare providers and the ventilator’s ability to adapt to different patient needs.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE FEATURES YOU’VE SEEN IN THE LATEST GENERATION OF VENTILATORS?
Brink: Ventilator manufacturers are adding design improvements to assist engineers to maintain and service them on a regular basis. Giving easy access to all the components requiring replacement, or cleaning, as well as service menus to assist in calibration and testing of devices.
Emerson: Some ventilators are beginning to adopt a modular approach, both in clinical functionality and repairs. This design simplifies the process of swapping parts and functionalities, showing a significant improvement. It not only eases the workload for biomedical technicians but also benefits the end user by reducing downtime in both shop and field settings.
Kulkarni: Modern ventilators utilize advanced software to enhance their performance, enabling precise control of airflow, pressure, and oxygen delivery based on the specific needs of each patient. Key innovative features include real-time data monitoring, the ability to make remote adjustments, and adaptive algorithms that respond to changing patient conditions.
Q: WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO IMPROVE THE REPAIRABILITY OR EASE OF MAINTENANCE OF VENTILATORS FOR TECHNICIANS?
Brink: Use paramagnetic or optical O2 sensors that have a long life. Design the ventilator in a modular manner reducing the array and complexity of internal tubes and connectors to reduce service times and costs.
Emerson: OEMs supporting the right to repair would greatly benefit our field. Third-party facilities are a crucial lifeline for many in our industry, but the increasing challenges previously mentioned are making this vital work even more difficult. If testing equipment, replacement parts and training were more readily available, it would make our jobs significantly easier.
Kulkarni: I recommend using ventilators regularly and replacing consumables according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Frequent use helps prevent issues such as dried seals or calibration drift, which can happen during extended periods of inactivity. Additionally, it’s beneficial to design ventilators with modular components, standardized parts and accessible service manuals.
Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD TECHNATION READERS KNOW?
Brink: The best ventilators in the world are our own lungs. Look after them. All other mechanical ventilators irrespective of what manufacturer, come a distant third.
Emerson: Ventilators are a distinct category of medical equipment, demanding in-depth testing, precise measurements and meticulous attention to detail to ensure their long-term functionality. Unlike other medical devices, which may tolerate minor errors without severe repercussions, ventilators offer no such margin for error. Despite the challenges, working on these devices provides a profound sense of fulfillment, as it feels like a direct contribution to helping someone take their next breath, a truly rewarding experience in our field.
Kulkarni: To guarantee optimal performance and reliability, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. This includes conducting regular inspections, replacing parts as needed and updating software. Proper maintenance not only prolongs the equipment’s lifespan but also ensures it operates effectively when patients need it the most.
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CHAMPIONS OF THE FIELD
2025 Wrenchies
TUnveiling the Tech Choice Award Recipients
he psychologist and philosopher, William James, once said; “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”
Appreciation that is expressed for the work a person performs is more highly prized than a salary, according to many work satisfaction studies.
Work is a requirement. Few can take a pass on this necessity. Work can be drudgery, or it can be fulfilling. Some people have a passion for their careers. In some careers, there is a sense of purpose. There is a realization of the importance of the career field or profession.
Healthcare technology management (HTM) is a “onestep removed” profession. It is a profession critical to patient care and healing, even saving lives, as it supports clinical professionals in that effort.
HTM is a helping profession; it improves lives, maintains life and allows important diagnostic medical devices to guide treatment.
TechNation magazine believes that the dedication and striving for excellence demonstrated by a biomed association, a military BMET, a director or manager, an educator, ISO employee, biomed professional, influencer or vendor deserves appreciation.
The same goes for women in leadership and humanitarians, as well as a professional in the field worthy of a lifetime achievement (now known as ICON) award.
For this reason, TechNation magazine continues to promote and applaud the men and women of HTM with the second annual Tech Choice Awards. The Tech Choice Awards (also known as the Wrenchies) shine a spotlight on the heroes of HTM.
Much like an Academy Award or an Emmy, the act of being nominated holds nearly the same level of attainment as the overall winner. This is true because the nominees represent the top of their profession and having mastered their craft.
Peers most understand the rigors and requirements of a profession. Peers also best understand when another member of a profession excels at what they do.
The votes were cast and tallied for the Tech Choice Awards
and the winners are those recognized by peers who were motivated by their knowledge of the nominees’ dedication. There can be no higher honor than the recognition of one’s colleagues and peers. The winners are based entirely on the number of votes received over the past several months.
We asked finalists in the Lifetime Achievement (ICON), Professional of the Year and Industry Influencer categories to reflect upon their nomination, what it means to them and how the recognition will impact their careers.
LIVING A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
In karate, those who earn the highest respect and recognition, along with having attained at least the rank of 6th-degree black belt, may be bestowed with the honorific title Renshi, Kyoshi or Hanshi. These titles denote accomplishment and signify an enormous amount of time given back to the karate community. They garner the highest respect within the discipline.
In the same vein, the awarding of the Lifetime (ICON) Award reflects upon the value the nominee has given back to the HTM profession. It also denotes respect.
Despite receiving votes for this high honor, the finalists are humble and respectful of those who would consider them for this award.
“I was surprised and humbled as there are so many bright lights in this field,” says Wayne Moore, B.Sc., MBA, FASE, FAIUM, founder partner of Acertara Acoustic Laboratories.
“It’s quite an honor to be nominated for this award by my peers. I have closely followed and collaborated with several of the nominees, so I am grateful to be named along with them. I have closely followed the others in their careers, and they are well deserving of this award. Binseng, Wayne, Dustin, and Dean are leaders I look up to in our field,” says David Braeutigam, professor at Collin College.
Dean Skillicorn, CBET, CHTM, medical imaging servicer, manager of clinical engineering at St. Luke’s Health System says that being nominated specifically with this group of individuals, is very heart warming and a great honor.
“I have worked diligently in my career with several of the finalists in assisting in the development of HTM as a concept. It has truly been a pleasure to serve the HTM community. The
opportunity to be a finalist is very humbling and satisfying,” Skillicorn says.
Binseng Wang, ScD, CCE, vice president, program management, Sodexo, says that the nomination represents “a new high point in my career.”
“It’s an incredible honor to be nominated by peers in this field I love so much. Honestly, it feels a bit like being handed a participation trophy at a marathon while I’m still tying my shoelaces. I’m deeply grateful, but there are others in this category who have run the whole race – and probably built the timing system and fixed a few stretchers along the way,” says Dustin K. Telford, AAMIF, CHTM, CBET, CRES, CLES, consultant with Healthcare Incident Investigation & Technology Consulting at ECRI.
These finalists also recognized their colleagues in the field as sharing credit if they are the eventual winner.
“As I said above, being nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award is a new high point in my career. Winning it would be an extraordinary recognition of the work that I had the privilege of conducting with my fellow HTM professionals over the past four decades,” Wang says.
“Please note that I don’t consider winning it as a personal accomplishment but a recognition of what dozens of colleagues and I managed to contribute to the advancement of our profession. As they say in Africa, ‘it takes a village [to raise a child],’” Wang says.
Wang says that while professionals in many other industries can claim valuable contributions to human beings, few have such a direct, tangible impact as HTM professionals.
“I feel extremely grateful to be among dedicated professionals who contribute daily to saving lives and healing people when they are most vulnerable,” he adds.
He says that he is impressed with the new leadership he sees in the HTM field locally in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and nationally, so he believes the biomed field is in great hands.
From capping off a career, winning may also seem undeserved in a field of very qualified finalists.
“Winning would feel like being knighted with a soldering iron – deeply touching, slightly terrifying, and likely to leave a lasting mark. But truly, I’d prefer people vote for one of the other nominees. Some of them have already earned the right to sit down and enjoy their well-deserved accolades without someone like me still pacing around the starting line,” Telford says.
NOTE: The name of the Lifetime Achievement Award has been updated and is now the Icon Award.
THE CORE OF HTM
Among the Professional of the Year finalists, there is a dedication to the field, a reverence for working in HTM and appreciation of co-workers.
These are biomeds, managers and directors chosen from a very large population of biomeds within the field as those who are exemplary in the field.
“Winning would feel like being knighted with a soldering iron – deeply touching, slightly terrifying, and likely to leave a lasting mark.”
- Dustin Telford
Moore says of winning; “I would be grateful, but as I said above, I would also be surprised given the storied careers of the other nominees.”
“Winning this prestigious award would be very rewarding. Recognition like this is very hard to obtain. The fact I was even nominated has been very special and I appreciate the recognition. To win this award? It would be very enrichening and rewarding to know my colleagues in this field feel I have been a great contributor over time at a high level of performance to earn such a distinction. Thank you to all the individuals who participated in the nominations. Congratulations to all of the finalists are who truly deserving of winning this award,” Skillicorn says.
Winning the award would also top off a career in HTM in the best possible way.
“I recently retired from teaching full-time so winning the award would be a nice way to put a stamp on my career. I will probably still attend HTM meetings and maybe teach part time at Collin College, but I am enjoying retirement and look forward to playing more golf,” Braeutigam says.
“Being nominated for the HTM/biomed national Professional of the Year Award is such an honor. To me, it really reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team I get to work with every day. This recognition isn’t just about me – it’s about what we’ve accomplished together. I’m proud of what we do, and it means a lot to see that acknowledged,” says Charles Woolfolk, manager II-HTM, Temple Memorial Hospital and Clinics/McLane Children’s Hospital and Continuous Care Hospital with Baylor Scott & White.
Dave Scott, CBET, senior biomedical equipment technician at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, well-known in the HTM community for his pioneering work with CABMET in CBET-prep, said that when he was first notified of being a finalist, he was surprised.
“Then I thought, who nominated me, because no one said anything to me about nominating me. I was very happy and it’s a great honor to be nominated. I felt like I had already won just by being nominated,” Scott says.
Greg Czajka, director, clinical engineering planning & projects at Advocate Health Care says of the professional nomination that it’s humbling.
“Like everyone else, I go into work every day and do my best to make the patients coming to my system for care the best experience they can receive. I try to learn something every day and take accountability for the decisions I make. As a leader, my goal is to empower my team to make the right calls and elevate their careers. I have a passion for our field and am grateful that I get to work in a setting that brings me joy. I hope to continue bringing in new talent and shining a spotlight on HTM so that we can move forward beyond ‘unsung heroes,’” Czajka says.
COVER STORY
A commitment to helping others is a common quality among those nominated for the Professional of the Year Award and all of the Wrenchies.
“Being nominated for an award like the Wrenchie is an honor! It means that my contributions were recognized and valued by others, and that I made a positive impact in some way. It would symbolize that I’ve been able to help, connect, or make a difference, which is a rewarding feeling in itself. Even more than winning, the nomination would reflect appreciation for the work done and the trust people have in the service I provide. Recognition like that motivates me to keep improving and giving my best,” says Earl Morris Jr., BMET at Harrison County Hospital in Corydon, Indiana.
Steve Ellithorpe, CHTM, executive director of Enterprise Clinical Technology Services at Providence says that he “was surprised and humbled by the fact that someone or multiple people took the time to nominate me for this award. To be identified as a finalist is quite an honor.”
“Deep appreciation as the votes were submitted by co-workers, friends and peers within healthcare and the HTM community. Over the course of my career, I’ve served in different professional roles and supported local biomedical associations. This provided opportunity to collaborate, lead and mentor within the HTM community locally, regionally and nationally. I’m deeply appreciative that these efforts may be recognized through this award,” Ellithorpe says.
USING THEIR INFLUENCE
for TechNation’s Industry Influencer of the Year Award is incredibly motivating for him.
“I see it as recognition for sharing my passion for the HTM field. It validates the countless hours of effort behind the scenes: from crafting engaging content to recording, editing and building meaningful connections with everyone I can reach. Regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be recognized among such talented individuals,” Villafañe says.
Jennifer Chester, BMET III, says that being nominated for this award was incredibly humbling and validating.
“It feels amazing to be recognized for my efforts in a field I am so passionate about, especially as I strive to bring more awareness to the biomedical equipment technology (BMET) profession. It’s a reminder that the stories I share and the initiatives I take on – whether through ‘Bella the BMET’ or my work in HTM – are making an impact. It means the world to know that others see the value in what I’m trying to accomplish,” she says.
“I see it as recognition for sharing my passion for the HTM field. It validates the countless hours of effort behind the scenes: from crafting engaging content to recording, editing and building meaningful connections with everyone I can reach. Regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be recognized among such talented individuals.”
The Internet changed communication for all time. It made the world smaller. It further connected the HTM community, allowing for online learning and collaboration. Alongside the Internet, the influence of women in the HTM field has grown in recent years. The influencer finalists personify innovation, resourcefulness and the drive to share knowledge and further the careers of colleagues.
- Carlos R. Villafañe
“I was truly surprised, honored and humbled by the nomination. You can only hope that what you do, the way you present yourself and the connections you make are impactful. It fills my heart with pride and joy knowing that my peers in HTM see me as a leader and someone they can turn to for information and advice. If you can measure yourself to only impact one person, I call that success. To know that I have impacted many is beyond measure,” says Chyrill Sandrini, director of client solutions, surgical services & marketing director at MultiMedical Systems LLC.
Carlos R. Villafañe, CBET, CET, team lead SJW/biomedical engineer III at Baycare Health System says that being nominated
The spirit of helping others while praising other finalists are the sentiments of another finalist.
“To me, it was truly an honor, as I don’t consider myself an influencer. I just believe in supporting and assisting others in accomplishing their goals. And I was not at all surprised by the other nominees, as those are who I have seen to be amazing influencers. They are out there paving the way for people to be empowered and to grow in HTM,” says Jewel Newell, MBA, president and CEO of NRC Recruiting and Consulting.
Kim Rowland, director of strategic partnerships and military programs at RSTI, says that being nominated for the second year in a row is an incredible honor.
“After 2O+ years in the industry, it feels rewarding to be recognized at this level. To be in the top five again, alongside such talented leaders, really highlights the strength and collaboration within our community. As someone focused on building partnerships and supporting growth – both professionally with customers/vendors/coopetition and with my team; and also, personally within my role with ‘Women in Leadership’ – this nomination feels like a reflection of the connections and progress we’ve all worked toward together,” Rowland says.
To be recognized by your peers is a great honor. The Lifetime, Professional and Influencer finalists, along with all the finalists, are aware of the significance of this fact. The winners of the Tech Choice Awards (also known as the Wrenchies), can be found in this issue of TechNation and an award ceremony is planned for the MD Expo set for Southern California next month.
ICON AWARD
Binseng Wang
MILITARY BMET
Eric Dalsin
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
Samantha Moriarty
HUMANITARIAN
Ratish Kumar Mohan
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Carol Davis-Smith
DEPARTMENT
University Hospitals Health
congrats!
2025 WRENCHIE WINNERS
INDUSTRY INFLUENCER
Kim Rowland
PROFESSIONAL
David Scott
The results are in! After months of anticipation and over 6,500 votes, the winners of the 2025 Tech Choice Awards have been determined by your votes. We reveal the winners here with an award ceremony to follow at the MD Expo in Southern California. A big thank you to our sponsors for making these awards possible!
ISO EMPLOYEE
EDUCATOR
Ashley O’Mara ASSOCIATION
Manuel Vanderpool
Donald Armstrong
OUTSTANDING VENDOR
DIRECTOR/MANAGER
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: The Wrenchies
ICON AWARD
Binseng Wang, ScD, CCE
“Being nominated for the award is a new high point in my career and winning it is an extraordinary recognition of the work that I had the privilege of conducting with my fellow HTM professionals. My prior awards were decided by small committees, albeit composed of highly respected pioneers, whereas this one reflects the majority opinion of CE/HTM community. So it is particularly meaningful for me, especially considering the large amount of much younger and diverse professionals. In essence, I am very honored and humbled by the award and would like to thank the entire CE/HTM community for their support and generosity.”
SPONSORED BY:
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Carol
Davis-Smith, CCE, President, Carol Davis-Smith & Associates, LLC
“Being nominated, and then selected, by my peers is a huge honor. It means I’m making a difference and that’s the definition of success for me!”
SPONSORED BY:
DEPARTMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
University Hospitals Health System Healthcare Technology Management Division
• John White, VP HTM
• Josh Zinkhon, System Sr. Director – Academic Market
• David Mann, Sr. Director – West Market & Joint Venture Hospitals
• Tammie Clossin, Sr. Director – East Market; Beachwood Medical Center, Lake West Medical Center, Tripoint Medical Center
• Barry Bertagnolli, Director – Cleveland Medical Center, Rainbows Babies & Children’s Hospitals
• Robert Larkin, Director – Ahuja Medical Center, Ambulatory Market
• Edgar Ortega, Director – Parma Medical Center, St. John’s Medical Center
• Larry Liszeski, Director – Elyria Medical, Samaritan Medical Center
• Paul Johnson, Director – Conneaut Medical Center, Geagua Medical Center, Geneva Medical Center, Portage Medical Center
“Our program is a partnership between Sodexo Healthcare and University Hospitals. Sodexo has been a healthcare delivery partner with University Hospitals for over 24 years and our Sodexo HTM program has been serving since 2018. Our Division’s DNA is comprised of Sodexo leaders and field support professionals along with, 80 UH biomedical and imaging professionals.”
90HTM PROFESSIONALS
• Ahuja Medical Center Team – 4 HTM
• Beachwood Medical Center – 1 HTM
• Cleveland Medical Center/ Rainbows Babies/Siedman Cancer Hospitals Team(s) – 22 HTM & 13 PEMS Professionals
• Conneaut/Geneva Medical Centers – 1 HTM
• Geauga Medical Center – 2 HTM
• Elyria Medical Center – 5 HTM
• Lake West Medical Center – 4 HTM
• Parma Medical Center – 4 HTM
- John White, MSHA, senior director of Business Development, Healthcare Technology Management at Sodexo Healthcare.
• Portage Medical Center – 4 HTM & 1 PEMS
• Samaritan Medical Center – 2 HTM
• St. John’s Medical Center – 4 HTM
• Ambulatory Team – 4 HTM
• Cybersecurity Team – 2 HTM
• Dialysis Team – 4 HTM
• Imaging Team – 11 HTM
• MEMO Support Team – 2 Clinical Engineers & 2 PEMS
MILITARY BMET OF THE YEAR
Eric Dalsin, Biomedical Networking Specialist, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
“I was deeply humbled to have been nominated for the Military BMET of the year award. I am blessed to work alongside such talented and supportive individuals, my success is definitely a collaborative effort. I am honored to receive this prestigious award, and I extend a heartfelt thanks for all the support and recognition! “
SPONSORED BY:
INDUSTRY INFLUENCER
Kim Rowland, Vice President of Women In Leadership Society (W.I.L.); Director of Strategic Partnerships and Military Programs for RSTI Radiological Service Training Institute, (2025 TechNation Tech Choice Award winner for: “Outstanding Vendor of the Year” winner)
“Being nominated was an honor, and then winning this award is a huge career highlight! It’s a great reminder that the work we do matters, and I’m excited for the new opportunities, collaborations, and momentum it brings—hopefully inspiring others along the way.”
SPONSORED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
David Scott, CBET, Senior Biomedical Equipment Technician, UCHealth
“I was very surprised to find out I was nominated for this award. Even more surprised to find out I had won. It’s a great honor winning knowing this is voted on by the industry.”
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Samantha Moriarty, Clinical Engineering Manager, Mass General Brigham
“I am truly honored to be named Young Professional of the Year and humbled to represent the field of Healthcare Technology Management. This recognition is more than personal—it’s a celebration of our community’s remarkable work, an opportunity to inspire the next generation of young professionals, and a commitment to advancing innovation, collaboration, and education within HTM.”
SPONSORED BY:
OUTSTANDING VENDOR OF THE YEAR ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
Radiological Service Training Institute
“Todd Boyland and I are incredibly honored to receive the TechNation Tech Choice Award for Outstanding Vendor of the Year, especially in RSTI’s 40th anniversary year. This recognition brings full circle the vision my father, Terry Speth, and the original founders —building a company dedicated to excellence, education, and support for the imaging service community. Thank you to our incredible team and loyal partners who make this success possible!”
North Carolina Biomedical Association
“It is a true honor just to be nominated for this award. There have been many great members, leaders, and friends that have contributed to the success of this organization over the past 45 years. Winning this award is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication of these individuals to positively impact the Clinical Engineering community.and the NCBA is truly thankful for this recognition. ”
“It is a big honor to get nominated in the 2025 humanitarian of the year category and I’m so thrilled to win this recognition. Our work in global health involves lot of challenges, but recognitions like this are great source of encouragement to continue the work for the vulnerable people around the world. Thank you to everyone who voted for me.”
SPONSORED BY:
ISO EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Manuel Vanderpool, BAS, CHTM - Senior Site Manager
“I am deeply humbled to be recognized as the ISO 2025 Employee of the Year. I am receiving this award in tribute of the incredible individuals I have had the privilege to work for and alongside throughout my career. I truly stand on the shoulders of giants—mentors, colleagues, and leaders—whose guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my growth and success. I am excited for the future of HTM as well as the opportunities to continue building upon this achievement.”
SPONSORED BY:
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Donald Armstrong, CBET, CHTM, CABT, Renovo Solutions, Technical Training Manager
SPONSORED BY:
“Being nominated for the inaugural Educator of the Year award was an incredible honor in itself. To be included among such outstanding educators made the experience even more meaningful. Receiving this award was a complete surprise—it truly took my breath away and left me speechless, which doesn’t happen often! I am profoundly honored and deeply grateful for this recognition. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
DIRECTOR/MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ashley O’Mara, MS CCE, Chief, Healthcare Technology Management, VA New England Healthcare System
“I am truly honored and humbled to have been one of the five nominees for Director/Manager of the Year and to receive this award. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my incredible team, as well as the guidance and support of the amazing mentors and colleagues I’ve had in the HTM community throughout my journey.”
SPONSORED BY:
• A niche job board for the HTM and imaging communities powered by TechNation.
» A variety of posting options ranging from single-job postings to 12-month unlimited memberships.
• 3300+ actively looking biomedical and imaging professionals.
• The fastest growing HTM talent network in the country.
» Completely free and confidential registration and application process.
• 350+ open opportunities throughout the United States.
htmjobs@mdpublishing.com for posting inquiries htmjobs.com to register today
Featured Employers: Agiliti, Renovo Solutions, TRIMEDX, Erbe USA Inc., Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Sutter Health, and more!
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• Power subsystem — power module and power regulator board
• External interfaces — control panel, touch panel, trackball, monitor and external IO
• Transducer types and applications — Doppler, linear, curved, endo-cavity and more.
• Transducer parts — a breakdown of standard and TEE
• Transducer parts and operational failures — from lens failure to cut or creased cords to CW noise and error codes
Larry Nguyen addresses lots more in our 10-episode Solutionist Series, so be sure to tune in.
CAREERS NOW Here Are Top Leadership Skills in 2025
BY VICKI SALEMI
If you’re looking to elevate your career this year by upskilling, what leadership skills should you focus on?
Whether you want to become a leader or you’re already a leader looking to continuously improve as well, these skills are valuable and essential.
According to Mercer data, 91% of employees actively seek to acquire new skills. Further to that point, the skills gap is real as 98% of HR leaders report notable skill shortages at their employer. The gap can be noticeable among leaders when employees ask themselves, “What do I require of my leaders?”
“That question has absolutely surfaced a need for a new kind of leadership,” said Christie Smith, Ph.D., founder of leadership advisory company the Humanity Studio and co-author of “Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership.”
Smith examined what employees require in terms of the structure and the capabilities that leaders need to have.
“In essence, they need to be more human. We put forth this framework of the emotionally mature leader, emotionally intelligent leaders, which we focused on for so long, is how a leader really understands themselves emotionally mature leaders, is how well they understand the humanity in their workplace,” said Smith.
Smith and her co-author interviewed hundreds of CEOs globally who said they need to develop three skills.
“The top three: empathy and compassion, transparency, and trustworthiness. Those are the skills that leaders need to
begin to develop. The skills for an emotionally mature leader are breaking tradition in how we have seen leadership evolve,” she said.
This means leaders need to suspend their self-interests to be less concerned with and absorbed by what’s in it for themselves and, instead, shift their mindsets to what’s in it for employees. They can ask themselves the following questions, according to Smith:
• How do I become insatiably curious about my employees beyond just the task that I expect them to deliver on or on the outcome or on productivity measures?
• What is it really that the employee is facing? What are the headwinds that they’re facing in order to do their job?
• How do they do their job? What do they need to do it?
“We are dealing with family members at home, whether it be kids who are dealing with autism or what have you, dealing with parents who are aging, dealing with family members who are in a war-torn place in the world. So, it’s about being really curious about what success looks like for them. Curiosity is key to building empathy and compassion,” said Smith.
“We have rewarded the hero leader for a really long time,” Smith noted. “The leader who commanded and controlled. Their persona almost eclipses the brand of the company persona. We see a lot of these leaders – that is not what employees and what people want in their career anymore.”
Vicki Salemi is a career expert for Monster, an author, a speaker and consultant, TV commentator and former corporate recruiter. Send your questions to hello@ vickisalemi.com.
THE FUTURE
What Are Gen Z Career Aspirations?
BY JOIE N. MARHEFKA
Over the past few years, I’ve thought a lot about how the HTM workforce is changing.
I’ve thought about the demand for qualified professionals in the industry and how our students can help meet that demand. I’ve thought about the changing technologies and how that might impact the skills our students need to be successful. I’ve also read a lot about how Gen Z is different from previous generations. But one thing I haven’t thought much about, to this point, is what this new generation of HTM professionals wants from their career.
To gain some insight on this, I surveyed students and alumni who are members of Gen Z. I wanted to find out their preferences on work environment and benefits. While the information I’m sharing here represents the views of a small
number of students and alumni – 13 individuals responded to the survey – I hope it provides some insight into what Gen Z HTM professionals value most in their careers.
The three things that everyone who responded said were very important when considering a job are work-life balance; job security and stability; and a company that offers training and development programs to enhance your skills. Most also identified opportunities for career advancement and professional development, as well as autonomy in your job, including the ability to make decisions, self-manage, and work independently, to be very important.
The survey found diversity and inclusion in the workplace and employers offering mental health support programs or benefits to be less important overall. Less than a third of the respondents identified these as very important, and about a third identified these as not important. Other aspects included in the survey that received a mixed response include company’s values and commitment to social responsibility, access to up-to-date technology and tools to help you do your job effectively, feeling like your job makes a positive impact on society or the world, physical workplace
location, receiving regular feedback and recognition from your employer, ability to collaborate with others across different departments or teams, and company’s reputation in the industry. These items all were very important to some but less important to others.
When asked “What is your primary focus when evaluating a job offer?” responses were evenly split between salary and career growth. Only one person each selected work-life balance and benefits, and no one selected company culture. Responses to preferred work environment were evenly distributed between “flexible and adaptive” and “collaborative and teamoriented.” No one identified “independent and quiet” as their preference.
When asked to choose between a job that offers flexibility in roles and tasks or one that has clear, defined responsibilities, responses were mixed with a slight preference for flexibility. The majority of responses indicated that paid time off was the most appealing perk compared to flexible working hours, performance bonuses, health and wellness programs, and parental leave. A few people did choose flexible working hours or performance bonuses.
Finally, thoughts about working for a company that allows you to pursue entrepreneurial or side-project initiatives while employed were mixed, with an almost equal number of people very interested, somewhat interested, and not interested.
So, what does all of this mean?
Overall, it seems to me that salary and career growth, including an employer that provides training and resources necessary for advancement, are most important to these Gen Z HTM professionals. Work-life balance also seems important. In addition, most seem to prefer a flexible and/or collaborative environment rather than working alone. This point, in particular, reiterates the importance of collaboration and teamwork, both in the workplace and in education.
Although the sample size is small, seeing this information helps me to gain a better understanding of what our students are hoping to find when they graduate. I will keep this in mind as I help them prepare for their careers. I hope that it is also informative to those who will be hiring or working with members of Gen Z who are entering the HTM workforce.
Joie N. Marhefka, Ph.D., is an Associate Teaching Professor, Biomedical Engineering Technology Program Coordinator with Penn State New Kensington.
CYBERSECURITY
Security Healthcare: The Role and Limits of MFA
BY NADIA ELKAISSI, CHTM
Imagine this: A hospital’s ICU is operating at full capacity. A patient relies on a ventilator that is connected to the hospital’s network for real-time monitoring and remote configuration. Without warning, the ventilator stops functioning. Doctors and nurses rush to troubleshoot, but their efforts are halted when they discover the device’s configuration has been tampered with by an unauthorized user who accessed it remotely. The devices had no multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanism, meaning access was granted with only a username and password.
This isn’t a hypothetical situation. It reflects the growing vulnerabilities of medical devices in a world where cyberattacks increasingly target healthcare. The consequences of such breaches are dire, compromised patient safety, operational disruptions, and significant financial penalties under data privacy regulations.
So, what is MFA and why does it matter for medical devices? MFA is a security measure requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to access a system. These factors typically include:
1. Something you know (passwords, pins)
2. Something you have (security tokens, smart card)
3. Something you are (biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition)
MFA strengthens security by ensuring that even if one credential is stolen or guessed, unauthorized access remains difficult. For medical devices, which often
handle sensitive patient data and directly impact clinical care, MFA can serve as a crucial part to prevent unauthorized access.
Although MFA is a powerful tool, its implementation on medical devices is not always feasible because of a few challenges:
1.
LEGACY SYSTEMS
Many medical devices still in use today are built on outdated hardware and software. These systems were designed before cybersecurity threats were a major consideration, making it difficult to retrofit them with modern security features like MFA. Although, it is always the recommendation to replace anything with an unsupported operating system. Realistically, there might not be an available system that can replace the legacy just yet. This is where evaluating and monitoring the risk of the systems becomes necessary.
2.
PROPRIETY SYSTEM/SOFTWARE
Medical devices often operate within a complex ecosystem, relying on proprietary software and limited user interfaces. Theses constraints make it challenging to integrate MFA without compromising usability or requiring significant re-engineering.
3.
REGULATORY AND CERTIFICATION HURDLES
Adding MFA to a medical device may require recertification under regulatory bodies such as FDA. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially for manufacturers of legacy devices.
While MFA is an important layer of defense, it is not the only layer to consider. Effective cybersecurity of
Only a layered defense approach can ensure that healthcare systems remain resilient in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats.
medical devices requires a multi-faceted approach to include:
1. Device Hardening
Systems should have a process to ensure devices run the latest firmware and are patched against unknown vulnerabilities. All unnecessary services should be disabled as well as default accounts.
2. Network Segmentation
Medical devices should operate on isolated network segments, limiting access to only essential systems.
3. Access Logging and Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of access logs helps detect unauthorized attempts and potential breaches.
4. Training and Awareness
Healthcare staff should be trained to recognize phishing attempts and other cyber threats that could bypass MFA through social engineering.
Now, let us revisit the ICU scenario again. Had MFA been implemented on the ventilator; the attacker would not have been unable to gain access with only stolen login credentials. However, as some understand, not many ventilators have the capability to implement MFA. For systems similar in configuration, there are other ways to prevent the attack if other weaknesses existed, such as a hardcoded backdoor account left by the manufacturer.
In this scenario, a comprehensive approach combining MFA with network segmentation, regular updates, and robust monitoring would have created a far more secure environment.
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace connected medical devices, cybersecurity must be prioritized alongside clinical innovation. Policymakers, manufacturers and healthcare organizations need to work together to:
• Mandate security standards for new devices, including MFA readiness.
• Phase out legacy systems that cannot meet modern cybersecurity requirements.
• Invest in a cybersecurity infrastructure, including network security, training and threat detection systems.
MFA is a critical component in securing medical devices, but it cannot stand alone. Only a layered defense approach can ensure that healthcare systems remain resilient in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats.
Nadia ElKaissi, CHTM, is a biomedical engineer in healthcare technology management with the VA Central Office (19HTM).
NETWORKING NOTES Networks Inside Medical Devices?
BY GARRETT SEELEY
Irecently went to an OEM training for an imaging system. To say the least, it has been an eye-opening experience for me, especially in application in networking. Usually, networking in medical devices means a communication over the hospital network. That is specifically, when working on room sized imaging systems, there are networks outside of the room that we communicate to. This is nothing new. What I found that is new is that networks may be used inside the equipment itself. Call me old school, but this was a revolution in thought for me. It was surprising to me to see the varied networks transferring information between sub-assemblies, gantries, and host control systems. After my training, I found similar networks used not outside of the medical devices, but inside of them as well. It is a revolution, or perhaps an evolution, in medical devices and it is already in full implementation. I want to elaborate how TCP/IP, Bus, and Ring networks that are enhancing and transforming the internal design of medical devices.
For example, recon imaging and hosts systems typically use star networks and TCP/IP to communicate. It is the most widely used network format in a hospital setting. It typically connects devices to EMR or PACS systems. We have covered TCP/IP quite extensively; however, TCP/IP is mostly used for external communications to a larger network. Inside the machines themselves, it is mainly used for computer-to-computer communication. Think of a recon computer. It needs information from an imaging host (main control) computer to perform post processing of images. Recon is usually done on a stand-alone computer system networked to the host, but not networked to the outside DICOM network. This is usually performed on a TCP/IP format and does not have to connect to the main hospital network. The same network can exist in image acquisition. The scanning system may
be a stand-alone computer on its own, separate IP network tied to only the host system. Inside the imaging system, between acquiring the image and displaying the image at the control, a TCP/IP network may be used to transfer the image between a detector and a control computer. Although this is an example of TCP/IP used inside what most people call one medical imaging system, it is not what I am going to focus on for this article. If you need more information on TCP/IP, please refer to the previous Networking Notes articles. This is a clear use of networking for a medical device running more than one computer for a room-sized equipment. However, let’s move on to what happens more under the covers of a smaller medical device.
One the most impressive use of an internal network is the CAN bus. The CAN was covered in a previous article; however, it is highly valuable to medical devices. In the older days, signals were wanalog. They only required a signal and a reference wire. Data was amplified and filtered, and received by a control circuit; well, most of the time it was received. The problem was that the signal became easily lost or corrupted because of interference. This could change measurements and result in wrong data or loss of function. As computers became smaller, the sensors themselves became smarter. Now a thermometer can have a network chip on it. That is, the sensor itself is networked. It converts the signal from analog to digital, and buses the signal on a CAN network to a controller. It still follows the same rules of an analog system, however now there are 4 wires needed – two for power and two for signal. The signal is now a digital stream at full power, reducing the risk of loss from small analog signals. This may seem like a financial waste but considering the data performance and reliability, it is well worth the cost increase. Because of this, CAN is finding its way into more and more medical devices. We are starting to see these “small networks” on devices that traditionally most would not think would need to be “smart devices,” such as warming cabinets or
refrigerators. The ability to communicate via CAN to sensors or controllers in digital makes it easier for microprocessors to handle the data, eliminates filtering or amplifying the signal, and streamlines the communication of data. CAN is being used in smaller and simpler devices, upgrading their internals into small scale networks. It is the way devices are going so keep an eye out for more use of CAN in the future.
Another network I see used more often in medical devices is a Token ring communication. This has evolved from coaxial wiring to high-speed fiberoptics. In a modern system, where the data is passed from module to module, rings are a high speed, reliable option. In a ring, data is passed from components called nodes until it reaches the destination node. This is fast but becomes inefficient when dealing with more than a dozen nodes. If there is a limited number of nodes, a ring-style network ensures the data is reliably transferred as only one node is communicating at a time. All nodes are essentially equal, and special networking hardware, controller or server is not needed. The problem with this style of network is that if one of the nodes is out of operation, it shuts down the entire network. This can make troubleshooting more difficult. However, for small, fast communication between components that have the same rights, a ring is an ideal network.
Whether TCP/IP, CAN, or Ring, these techniques are being used more inside the medical devices, not just outside of the devices. Look for these elements in use on modern equipment. Do not be surprised if a brand-new warming cabinet uses a CAN network to communicate to thermometers. I can assure that the new X-ray systems may have all three of these networks inside their cabinets. It just goes to show that networking is not just for external communications, but for internal communication as well. Consider this when troubleshooting equipment.
Garrett Seeley, MS, CBET, is a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-Imaging with VISN 17: VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
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HEALTH-ISAC
How HTM Staff Can Prepare for the Proposed HIPAA Security Rule Changes
BY PHIL ENGLERT
On December 27, 2024, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule. The goal is to fortify cybersecurity defenses that protect electronic health information (ePHI). This proposed update represents a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive health information in an era of escalating cyber threats.
The proposed amendments highlight several critical measures to bolster ePHI protection. Some of these rules are processoriented, and several are technical. Incorporating these proposed changes into the procurement process will help organizations prepare for the changes when they go into effect. Here is a selection specifically pertinent to medical devices.
The proposed rule necessitates regulated entities to develop and continually update a comprehensive technology asset inventory. This inventory will document all technological assets involved in handling ePHI, including medical devices, which generate significant ePHI. Regular updates are required annually or whenever significant changes occur within the entity’s operational environment. Additionally, regulated entities must create and maintain a detailed network map.
This map should illustrate the flow and security of ePHI across their electronic information systems. The aim is to provide a clear visualization of the ePHI movement, facilitating better security oversight and risk management. HTM staff can work with technology vendors and network architects to begin this process before the new rule occurs. Network maps for medical device systems should include access points, gateways, interfaces, and clinical applications to better understand dependencies and possible impacts of data flow interruptions.
The updated technology asset inventory and network map support a more thorough and explicit risk analysis process called for in the proposed modifications. Ask medical device manufacturers to provide a high-level threat assessment, including all reasonably anticipated threats to ePHI’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The procurement process should also include requests for a Software Bill of Materials, known vulnerabilities, and controls and configuration practices to maintain the device or system’s cyber-resilience. The proposed changes require evaluating the risk level for each identified threat and vulnerability, considering the likelihood of exploitation. This enhanced risk analysis will give healthcare organizations a better understanding of how threats and vulnerabilities may impact patient safety, the ability to deliver care, and the risk to patients and the organization’s sensitive data. By mandating these detailed assessments, the proposed rule aims to ensure that entities are fully aware of and prepared to mitigate potential cyber risks targeting ePHI. HTM staff must play an active role in supporting this effort.
The new requirements emphasize detailed contingency planning, especially in security incidents. Detecting cyber incidents in medical technologies is difficult. Regulated entities must establish written procedures for restoring lost data and systems within 72 hours. This aligns with Medicare requirements to restore systems to restore the ability to restore the electronic transmission of Medicare claims within 72 hours. HTM staff should consider how a cyber incident may disable medical technologies and plan for the restoration of services just as they do with physical failures. Furthermore, working with clinical and IT staff, they should analyze the criticality of their technological assets and prioritize their restoration accordingly. The proposed rule mandates that entities develop comprehensive response plans, detailing how workforce members report and respond to suspected security incidents. Entities must also regularly implement written procedures for testing and revising these response plans.
The proposed rule calls for implementing technical controls to ensure the consistent configuration of electronic information systems including medical devices and other operational technologies which manage ePHI. This includes deploying antimalware protection to ensure systems are shielded against malicious threats. Removing extraneous software to prevent unneeded software from creating security vulnerabilities. Disabling unnecessary network ports to minimize potential attacks Implementing network segmentation to confine potential breaches and limit their impact vectors. With limited exceptions, MFA is required to access ePHI to enhance access security. To ensure the robust protection of ePHI, the proposed amendments require encryption of ePHI both at rest and in transit, with limited exceptions. This measure seeks to minimize unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive health information. The exceptions for medical devices are based on the submission timing and FDA authorization for marketing.
Considering these proposed changes, strengthening cybersecurity protections for medical devices requires active collaboration with clinical staff. Clinicians are often the primary users of these devices and play a pivotal role in identifying potential risks to patients and impacts on care delivery. It is paramount to involve clinicians as active collaborators. Their direct experience with medical devices allows them to provide valuable insights into clinical needs and workflows. When clinicians participate in risk assessments and incident response planning, they help ensure that security measures align with practical, on-the-ground realities.
Equipping clinicians with cybersecurity knowledge is crucial. By understanding the basics of cybersecurity, clinicians can better recognize potential threats and take proactive steps to mitigate risks. Additionally, educating their colleagues about incident response protocols ensures the healthcare team is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to security incidents.
The proposed changes to the HIPAA Security Rule by the OCR mark a significant stride towards enhancing the cybersecurity defenses for ePHI. The proposed changes have many touchpoints with medical devices and other operational technologies. By implementing comprehensive risk assessments, robust incident response plans, and stringent encryption measures, HTM staff can become valuable partners in safeguarding patients and healthcare organizations from cyber threats.
Phil Englert is the vice president of medical device security for Health-ISAC Inc.
BREAKROOM
WORD SEARCH
The words can appear horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and may be spelled forwards or backwards.
WHAT’S ON Y UR BENCH?
Dave Clark
Senior Imaging Engineer
UCHealth Parkview Medical Center
• Philips IntelliView X2 box
• Thermometer Precision 4000
• Goo Gone
• Stapler
• Computer
• Monitors
• Oscillating fan
• Big smile because he is retiring
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BIOMED BRAINBUSTER
ACROSS
1 The F in MFA- Multi-____ Authentication
4 There’s been an update in the regulations regarding how this essential liquid is processed in different hospital settings
7 Inflammation color, often
9 ____ catheter, type of central venous catheter that has multiple internal channels
10 Malfunction, 2 words
12 Trouble
14 Emotional intelligence
16 Outer protective layer of the body
17 ___ cardiogram
19 Genetic material involved in protein synthesis
22 Infectious lung disease, abbreviation
23 Standard for measuring processes and activities
24 Guitarist, ___ Paul
25 Irregular discolored patch
26 Surgically implanted tube that redirects bodily fluids
28 Company offering a full range of services for patient monitoring equipment
31 Operated
32 Piece of advice
34 Connection points in a network
35 Environmentally friendly color
1 ____ cartridge: cylindrical or pleated element that removes impurities and particles from liquids or gases 2 Software tool that helps companies manage maintenance information and processes, abbr.
Possess
__, the people! 5 Act passed to protect rights of people with disabilities, abbr. 6 Sinus specialist, for short 7 Emitted or transmitted by radiation
8 Wheels with teeth, used to assist in the powering diagnostic equipment and surgical instruments 11 Signal
12 Anchorage locale, abbr.
13 Operating, as a device
15 Major computer chip manufacturer
16 Relating to oil-producing glands in skin
18 Change from liquid to semi-solid state, as blood
20 Soaked up
21 Fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information
24 Weight measurement, abbr.
27 All-in-one medication management platform designed to help make managing medications easier and more convenient
28 Shallow cooking vessel
29 Prosecutor, for short
30 Stretch out
33 Abbreviation for pain
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