With over two decades entrenched in healthcare compliance and privacy, Lisa Herota has now taken on the pivotal role of vice president of compliance at Hendrick Health. Her journey from Vail Health Services in Colorado to the bustling healthcare landscape of Abilene, Texas, speaks volumes of her unwavering commitment to enhancing the standards within the health system.
Can you tell us about your responsibilities as the new vice president of compliance at Hendrick Health?
My role encompasses both corporate compliance and privacy officer responsibilities. I’m tasked with ensuring the adherence to and implementation of policies and protocols throughout the system. We aim not only to uphold but also to advance the operational standards present at Hendrick Health.
What experience do you bring from your previous roles at Vail Health Services?
During my tenure at Vail Health Services, I had the privilege of working in diverse healthcare settings, from inpatient psychiatric hospitals to multi-specialty clinic locations. This experience allowed me to tailor compliance strategies in varied environments, always focusing on seamless integration.
How did your role as senior director for compliance and privacy prepare you for this position?
At Vail Health Services, overseeing compliance and privacy initiatives taught me how to balance regulations with practice efficiency. As senior director, I honed my abilities to navigate complex systems, bringing forward strategies to ensure compliance without stifling operational effectiveness.
What proactive initiatives in compliance have you led in the past that you are particularly proud of?
One initiative that stands out was my work on advancing privacy protection measures across various facilities. We developed an integrated system that preemptively addressed data breaches, significantly improving the security of patient information.
How do you plan to enhance Hendrick Health’s culture of compliance?
It’s crucial to foster a culture where compliance is seen not as a mandate but as an integral part of care delivery. By embedding compliance-oriented frameworks within everyday processes and encouraging staff engagement, the aim is to make these practices second nature.
Could you describe some of the challenges you faced while working with Universal Health Services in Nevada?
Navigating through evolving regulations across multiple hospitals was a steadfast challenge. Developing uniform compliance standards that could cater to diverse hospital environments taught me the importance of adaptability and foresight in compliance management.
What were the key leadership skills you developed during your time in Nevada?
Leading teams in Nevada refined my ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary groups. I learned to align diverse priorities to achieve unified compliance goals, always with a view towards collective improvement.
Your career started in a chiropractic practice. How did that experience shape your understanding of healthcare compliance?
Starting out in a chiropractic setting, I quickly grasped the importance of personalized patient interactions and the necessity of compliance in maintaining trust and care standards. It was the bedrock upon which I built my career.
How do your degrees in health sciences and healthcare management inform your approach to compliance?
My academic background provided a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape. This, coupled with a focus on informatics and data analytics, gives me the tools to not only understand but also predict compliance trends and needs.
Can you share how your certifications in various areas like HIPAA and internal auditing have been beneficial in your career?
These certifications are invaluable in understanding the intricate layers of compliance. They arm me with the necessary expertise to execute audits and ensure adherence to privacy laws like HIPAA, vital for safeguarding patient information.
What attracted you to Hendrick Health and the Abilene community?
Hendrick Health’s commitment to quality care and its Christian mission were particularly appealing. The opportunity to serve a diverse community and contribute to a health system with a rich history is truly inspiring.
What are your short-term goals for your new position at Hendrick Health?
Initially, my focus will be on assessing current compliance protocols and identifying areas for enhancement. Strengthening internal training programs and ensuring that staff feel supported in compliance activities are immediate targets.
How do you envision the long-term impact of your role on the health system’s operations?
Long-term, I aim to embed compliance into the very fabric of operations at Hendrick Health, making it synonymous with service excellence and leading not only in care delivery but also in regulatory adherence.
How do you plan to address the diverse needs of the 400,000 residents served by Hendrick Health?
Understanding this diversity is key. I plan on fostering inclusive compliance strategies that respect and incorporate the variations in health needs across this vast demographic, working closely with community leaders and health advocates.
Can you discuss any innovative practices from your past experiences that you hope to implement at Hendrick Health?
I’m eager to incorporate data-driven compliance monitoring systems that proactively assess risk, vastly improving response times and accuracy in addressing compliance concerns.
Do you have any advice for our readers?
Compliance is about preparation and foresight. Cultivating an environment where everyone—from the top down—is engaged in compliance is essential. It’s a shared responsibility that benefits both the health provider and the patient alike.
