Industry Perspectives: Charles DeShazer, MD, Chief QHA Officer at Cigna

Healthcare Strategies

#Business #Healthcare Strategies #Xtelligent Healthcare Media

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

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The generative AI revolution is here. How should payers respond and how can they learn from past technological revolutions in healthcare to inform their next steps? Charles DeShazer, MD, Chief Quality and Health Advocacy Officer at Cigna Healthcare, offers his recommendations in this episode of Industry Perspectives.

121 episoade

Industry Perspectives: Charles DeShazer, MD, Chief QHA Officer at Cigna

Healthcare Strategies

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MP3•Pagina episodului

121 episoade

#Business #Healthcare Strategies #Xtelligent Healthcare Media

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1
Industry Perspectives: Using risk mapping to improve healthcare cybersecurity 22:06

acum 3 zile22:06

22:06

Healthcare organizations dodge cyberattacks daily, even from service providers with multiple degrees of separation. What if there was a standard way to prioritize cybersecurity actions across the healthcare sector so that organizations can know their risk level and be more prepared? The Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) Cybersecurity Working Group is working on something that might do just that. Featuring: Greg Garcia, executive director, Health Sector Coordinating Council Cybersecurity Working Group In this episode, we'll cover What risk mapping looks like for the healthcare sector The HSCC's work on developing health sector risk maps How healthcare stakeholders can build cyber resiliency by knowing their risk level and more! References What is a risk map? Mitigating risk as healthcare supply chain attacks prevail To learn more about healthcare cybersecurity, check out our Healthtech Security site. To watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies .…

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Advancing reproductive choices for men 16:25

acum 5 zile16:25

16:25

Despite decades of advancements in reproductive health, male contraception methods remain limited to condoms or vasectomies. This leaves few options for those seeking alternatives and leaves women shouldering the physical and hormonal burdens of birth control. Today, with 85% of men aged 18–45 actively seeking new family planning solutions, the demand for a long-acting, reversible alternative is greater than ever. As male contraception advances in the wake of the Dobbs decision reversal, this episode examines market prospects, regulatory hurdles, and the future of reproductive options for men. Featuring: Darlene Walley , Chief Executive Officer, NEXT Life Sciences In this episode, we will cover… The growing demand for male contraception in the wake of shifting reproductive rights policies. How Vasalgel technology works and why it's a reversible alternative to vasectomies. The regulatory approval pathway for Plan A as a medical device. The economic and public health impact of expanded contraceptive options for men. The role of strategic partnerships with organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Male Contraceptive Initiative in advancing male birth control. To stay up to date on the latest developments in male contraception, check out our Pharma Life Sciences sites. To watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies . References: U.S. men's interest in new male contraceptives A reversible alternative to vasectomies Pipeline of male contraceptives…

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Reflecting on the Change Healthcare cyberattack, one year later 20:39

acum 19 zile20:39

20:39

The Change Healthcare cyberattack had widespread, unprecedented impacts across the healthcare sector in February 2024 and beyond. What has the sector learned since, and are providers better equipped to handle a similar incident today? Featuring: Errol Weiss , chief security officer at the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Health-ISAC) In this episode, we'll cover Systemic security challenges that the Change Healthcare cyberattack exposed Lessons learned in the year since the Change Healthcare cyberattack, and how the sector has improved its cybersecurity efforts Ongoing cybersecurity risks to the healthcare supply chain and more! References Health-ISAC's 2025 Health Sector Cyber Threat Landscape Report https://health-isac.org/health-isac-2025-health-sector-cyber-threat-landscape/ American Hospital Association and Health-ISAC Joint Threat Bulletin: Russian Ransomware Gangs Disrupt Patient Care https://health-isac.org/american-hospital-association-and-health-isac-joint-threat-bulletin/ Understanding the impact of the Change Healthcare cyberattack on providers https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechsecurity/feature/Understanding-the-Impact-of-the-Change-Healthcare-Cyberattack-on-Providers 10 largest healthcare data breaches of 2024 https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechsecurity/feature/Largest-healthcare-data-breaches HPH Cybersecurity Performance Goals https://hhscyber.hhs.gov/performance-goals.html To learn more about healthcare cybersecurity, check out our Healthtech Security site. To watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies .…

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Unpacking claim denials in light of public backlash against payers 26:15

acum 27 zile26:15

26:15

The public outcry against health insurers intensified after the shooting of a UnitedHealthcare CEO. What trends are driving Americans' dissatisfaction with payers and can payers recover the public's trust? Featuring: Jacqueline LaPointe , executive editor at Xtelligent Healthcare In today’s episode, we’ll cover… Trends in claim denials The driving factors behind payers' denials The role of artificial intelligence in claims management, for better and for worse... and more! To learn more about claims management, check out our Rev Cycle Management and Healthcare Payers sites! To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @ HealthcareStrategies . References Breaking down claim denial rates by healthcare payer https://www.techtarget.com/revcyclemanagement/feature/Breaking-down-claim-denial-rates-by-healthcare-payer KFF: Consumer Survey Highlights Problems with Denied Health Insurance Claims https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/issue-brief/consumer-survey-highlights-problems-with-denied-health-insurance-claims/ Trend Alert: Private Payers Retain Profits by Refusing or Delaying Legitimate Medical Claims https://premierinc.com/newsroom/blog/trend-alert-private-payers-retain-profits-by-refusing-or-delaying-legitimate-medical-claims…

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Sharing early lessons on SDOH data integration across health plans 15:48

acum 5 weeks15:48

15:48

Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a critical role in health outcomes, but standardized SDOH data collection is lacking. How is NCQA driving standardization through national SDOH quality measures? Featuring: Rachel Harrington , PhD, AVP of health equity sciences, NCQA Adrianna Nava , PhD, MPA, applied research scientist, NCQA In today’s episode, we’ll cover… Updates to NCQA’s SDOH quality measures Current SDOH data collection challenges The role policy plays in driving SDOH data standardization... and more! To learn more about SDOH data collection, check out our Health IT and EHR site and our Patient Engagement site . To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @ HealthcareStrategies . References Charting new territory: the early lessons in integrating social determinant of health (SDOH) measures into practice https://academic.oup.com/healthaffairsscholar/article/2/11/qxae138/7900537 How Regenstrief and HL7 are driving SDOH data standards https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/feature/How-Regenstrief-and-HL7-are-driving-SDOH-data-standards https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/feature/How-Regenstrief-and-HL7-are-driving-SDOH-data-standards Advocating for SDOH data standards to support health equity https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/podcast/Advocating-for-SDOH-data-standards-to-support-health-equity…

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Why healthcare needs a patient-centered approach to AI use 25:44

acum 7 weeks25:44

25:44

AI has officially transcended buzzword status, with healthcare continuously diving deeper into its uses and applications. But as technology continues to proliferate healthcare, experts eye questions about the effects on patient experience and the industry's overall push for more patient-centered care. In this episode, we explore those questions and discuss how healthcare can embrace AI as a leading clinical decision support tool without losing site of its patient-centered goals. Featuring: Prashila Dullabh , vice president and senior fellow in Health Sciences at NORC at the University of Chicago In today's episode, we'll cover… The risks of omitting patient-centricity from healthcare's AI conversations The research going into deploying AI with a patient-centered lens How patients might feel about use of AI in healthcare …and more! To learn more about patient-centered care and healthcare's embrace of AI, check out our Xtelligent sites: Patient Engagement , Healthtech Analytics and Health IT . To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies . References: Enhancing Patient Engagement through Shared Decision-Making https://www.techtarget.com/patientengagement/feature/Enhancing-Patient-Engagement-through-Shared-Decision-Making What Are the Top Challenges of Clinical Decision Support Tools? https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechanalytics/feature/What-Are-the-Top-Challenges-of-Clinical-Decision-Support-Tools…

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Prioritizing SOGI data collection to improve health equity 21:21

acum 8 weeks21:21

21:21

Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data is key for improving health outcomes among sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients. How can healthcare organizations effectively navigate challenges -- like bias and discrimination -- to improve SOGI data collection? Featuring: Carey Candrian, PhD , associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a 2024 Health and Aging Policy Fellow In today's episode, we'll cover: The implications of missing SOGI data on care delivery and quality The challenges health systems face that prevent them from routinely collecting SOGI data Strategies to improve SOGI data collection and health equity for LGBTQIA+ patients And more! To learn more about AI in healthcare, check out our site, Healthtech Analytics. To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @Healthcare Strategies. References https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/news/366578124/SOGI-Data-Missing-in-Over-60- of-Adult-EHR-Records-Study-Finds https://news.cuanschutz.edu/medicine/cu-researcher-issues-a-call-for-more-data-to-improve- care-for-lgbtq-patients…

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2025 predictions: GLP-1s, telehealth, AI, employer health plans, and more 38:22

acum 9 weeks38:22

38:22

2025 promises to be an interesting year in healthcare with many possibilities, challenges and unknowns. A few of our editorial staff members got together to discuss the trends we will be watching in the new year, from telehealth flexibilities to artificial intelligence guardrails, and from employers' cost-cutting efforts to the future of reproductive health. Featuring: Shania Kennedy , assistant editor of Healthtech Analytics at Xtelligent Veronica Salib , associate editor of Pharma Life Sciences at Xtelligent Healthcare Anuja Vaidya , senior editor of Virtual Healthcare and special events lead at Xtelligent Healthcare Kelsey Waddill , multimedia manager and managing editor of Healthcare Payers at Xtelligent Healthcare In today’s episode, we’ll cover… The focal points of GLP-1 research in the coming year GLP-1 coverage expectations AI trends in 2025 Telehealth market shifts Reproductive healthcare evolution since the overturn of Roe v. Wade ...and more! To learn more about 2025 healthcare industry predictions, check out our Xtelligent sites: Healthtech Analytics , Healthcare Payers , Pharma Life Sciences , and Virtual Healthcare . To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies. Thank you to Dr. Sanjula Jain, Melissa Knuth, and Dr. Stephanie Page who spoke with us earlier in the season and whose insights we included in this episode. References GLP-1 general impact overview https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Anticipating-the-healthcare-reach-of-GLP-1-receptor-agonists CDC unintended pregnancy data https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/hcp/unintended-pregnancy/index.html#:~:text=Overview,2010%20to%2041.6%25%20in%202019 Vasectomy data from the University of Florida Health https://ufhealth.org/stories/2022/what-to-know-before-getting-a-vasectomy Planned Parenthood data on vasectomy reversals https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/are-vasectomies-reversible# HR managers see value in GLP-1 coverage https://ir.accolade.com/news-releases/news-release-details/glp-1-coverage-employer-plans-could-nearly-double-2024 Employer coverage rates of GLP-1s for weight loss https://www.ifebp.org/resources---news/survey-reports/glp-1-drugs--2024-pulse-survey-report-(u.s.-corporate-data) Exploring generative AI in healthcare https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechanalytics/feature/Exploring-generative-artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare Introducing the role of Chief Analytics Officer https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechanalytics/answer/Exploring-the-Role-of-Cleveland-Clinics-First-Chief-Analytics-Officer Telehealth volumes data from Trilliant Health https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/answer/Examining-the-limitations-of-the-current-telehealth-market Leveraging RPM at home for cancer care https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/feature/Leveraging-RPM-to-Enable-At-Home-Care-for-High-Risk-Cancer-Patients Vendor uses wearables to assess impact of GLP-1s on Parkinson's disease https://www.statnews.com/2024/12/10/glp-1-parkinsons-health-tech-startup-koneksa-digital-measures/…

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Understanding pharmacists’ role in contraceptive access 20:54

acum 11 weeks20:54

20:54

As the reproductive health landscape continues to evolve, access to contraception and prescriptions for contraception are increasingly critical tools for preventing unplanned pregnancies. In some states, pharmacists at retail pharmacies can play a critical role in contraceptive access by providing counseling and prescriptions for some birth control methods. Featuring: Dr. Mollie Scott , a pharmacist, the regional associate dean of the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Chair of the Department of Pharmacotherapy at Mountain Area Health Education Center. In today’s episode, we’ll cover The role pharmacists play in prescribing and medication management Policies and regulations for pharmacists’ prescribing The benefits and drawbacks of pharmacists prescribing contraception Advocacy tips for pharmacists hoping to change contraception prescribing laws in their state And more! To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies. Note: The Healthcare Strategies team will be on break for 12/30/24, but make sure to tune in for our first episode of the new year (publishing 1/6/25) where we cover major trends for 2025! Resources: Clinical Pharmacists Are a Major Contributor to Quality Patient Care https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Clinical-Pharmacists-Are-a-Major-Contributor-to-Quality-Patient-Care Understanding the widespread impacts of pharmacy deserts https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/answer/Understanding-the-widespread-impacts-of-pharmacy-deserts Limited Access to Female Contraceptives: A Public Health Crisis https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Limited-Access-to-Female-Contraceptives-A-Public-Health-Crisis Assessing the Expected Impacts of OTC Hormonal Birth Control Pills https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Assessing-the-Expected-Impacts-of-OTC-Hormonal-Birth-Control-Pills…

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Exploring key telehealth policy considerations for 2025 27:54

acum 12 weeks27:54

27:54

The future of telehealth policy remains uncertain, with pandemic-era regulatory flexibilities set to expire by the end of the year, barring Congressional action. What is holding Congress back from extending or solidifying these flexibilities, and will those concerns influence telehealth legislation in 2025? Featuring: Darryl Roberts , Vice President of Health Informatics at RELI Group In today's episode, we'll cover… The impact of telehealth flexibilities on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes Possible reasons why Congress has yet to act despite bipartisan support for telehealth access Key pieces of legislation to watch for in 2025 References: Spending Bill to Extend Telehealth, Hospital-at-Home Waivers for 2 Years (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366596488/Spending-Bill-to-Extend-Telehealth-Hospital-at-Home-Waivers-for-2-Years) HHS: How the End of the PHE Will Impact Telehealth Flexibilities (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366596867/HHS-How-the-End-of-the-PHE-Will-Impact-Telehealth-Flexibilities) What the NJ Lawsuit Adds to Out-of-State Telehealth, Licensure Debates (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/answer/What-the-NJ-Lawsuit-Adds-to-Out-of-State-Telehealth-Licensure-Debates) What the House subcommittee hearing tells us about telehealth’s future (https://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/feature/What-the-House-subcommittee-hearing-tells-us-about-telehealths-future) To learn more about telehealth policy, check out our site, Xtelligent Virtual Healthcare . To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies.…

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Regulating and monitoring the online GLP-1 market 23:47

acum 13 weeks23:47

23:47

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) medications are revolutionizing weight loss and diabetes care, but behind the hype lies a growing web of regulatory gaps, telehealth expansion and online pharmacy risks. This episode unpacks the opportunities -- and dangers -- shaping the future of these life-changing drugs. Featuring: Scott Roth , Chief Executive Officer, LegitScript Gerard Olsen , Director of Research, LegitScript In today’s episode, we'll cover… The skyrocketing demand for GLP-1 medications and their influence on weight loss trends, including a 26% drop in bariatric surgeries How telehealth and online pharmacies are reshaping access to GLP-1 drugs -- and the risks posed by rogue sellers and counterfeit products The critical need for stronger regulatory enforcement and LegitScript's role in ensuring safety and transparency in the online healthcare market To learn more about GLP-1 medications from all angles, check out our Pharma Life Sciences , Patient Engagement and Healthcare Payers sites. To watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies . References: Metabolic bariatric surgery in the GLP-1 era (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825349) Risks of online semaglutide without prescription (https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/news/366609735/Study-uncovers-risks-of-buying-semaglutide-online) FDA updates on GLP-1 compounding policies (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-policies-compounders-national-glp-1-supply-begins-stabilize)…

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Improving community health center sustainability with health IT 21:49

acum 15 weeks21:49

21:49

Staffing shortages and rising operational costs are daunting challenges for community health centers, which are vital for serving underserved populations. How can the right technology investments help community health centers overcome these obstacles? Featuring: Abby Sears , president and CEO of OCHIN Jeff Lowrance , CEO of OSIS In today’s episode, we’ll cover… The top operational challenges community health centers face How health IT innovation can transform healthcare delivery in underserved communities The value of collaboration for tackling workforce shortages and more! To learn more about health IT, check out Health IT and EHR site . To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies. References: Finances stymie patient data sharing, interoperability at FQHCs (https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/news/366578868/Finances-Stymie-Patient-Data-Sharing-Interoperability-at-FQHCs) Community health center access up by 1 million patients (https://www.techtarget.com/patientengagement/news/366599934/Community-health-center-access-up-by-1-million-patients) Community Health Centers’ Progress and Challenges in Meeting Patients’ Essential Primary Care Needs (https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2024/aug/community-health-centers-meeting-primary-care-needs-2024-FQHC-survey)…

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Breaking down GLP-1 patient engagement strategies, challenges 29:23

acum 16 weeks29:23

29:23

As many patients decide whether to take glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists (or GLP-1s), providers face various new patient engagement challenges. What patient engagement strategies can providers pursue to achieve shared decision-making, even when their patients decide to take GLP-1 compounds? In this episode, we hear one local dietitian share her experience guiding patients through the decision to take GLP-1s and we'll also touch base with one of our senior staff members to get a more comprehensive perspective on patient engagement trends in this area. Featuring: Kate, a local dietitian in the Boston area Sara Heath , executive editor at Xtelligent Healthcare In this episode, we'll cover One dietitian’s experience with patient engagement on the topic of GLP-1s and weight loss The need for robust care management in GLP-1 usage How to respond when patients want to take/are taking a GLP-1 compound and more! References Patient education tips for GLP-1, weight loss drug treatment ( https://techtarget.com/patientengagement/feature/Patient-education-tips-for-GLP-1-weight-loss-drug-treatment) Is care management missing from the GLP-1 drug discourse? ( https://www.techtarget.com/patientengagement/feature/Is-care-management-missing-from-the-GLP-1-drug-discourse) To learn more about patient engagement, check out our Patient Engagement site . To learn more about GLP-1s, visit our Pharma Life Sciences site . And to watch video clips from the conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @HealthcareStrategies .…

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Exploring gaps in GLP-1 research, care, and coverage 16:35

acum 17 weeks16:35

16:35

GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, have gained attention for their significant health impacts and anti-obesity effects. However, there continues to be a lot of unknowns surrounding these medications, their long-term impacts, and access. Featuring: Dr. Lydia Alexander , an obesity medicine specialist, lifestyle specialist, president of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), Chief Medical Officer at Enara, and a medical chef. In today’s episode, we’ll cover The significant progress made in GLP-1 research, care delivery, and insurance coverage Filling research gaps in GLP-1 care through longitudinal studies examining long-term medication effects and potential adverse reactions Tips for providers managing patients on GLP-1 medications and patient-focused approaches to obesity management And more! To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @Healthcare Strategies Resources: Are compounded “DIY” peptides the answer to the GLP-1 shortage? Exploring FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists Addressing muscle loss associated with GLP-1 medication use…

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Understanding new NY hospital cybersecurity regulations 12:52

acum 18 weeks12:52