A closer look at the Privacy Officer Peer Group

Formed in 2011, the Peer Group includes over 200 privacy officers from state and local health departments across the country. The current Peer Group co-chairs are Stephanie Elzenga, J.D., General Counsel, Arizona Department of Health Services and Caterina Pañgilinan, CIPP-US, CIPM, CHPC, CHC, State Chief Privacy Officer, State of Maryland.

The Peer Group provides support, resources, and learning opportunities related to current and emerging data privacy and sharing issues faced by public health agencies. Members participate in quarterly trainings, which generally include opportunities for peer sharing.  Members also participate in the Privacy Officer listserv where they can share wisdom and resources with one another anytime. The Network supports the group by providing technical assistance, facilitating the listserv, and hosting quarterly trainings. This initiative seeks to establish a collaborative network of privacy officers to advance best practices in public health data privacy through shared learning and peer support.

If you would like to learn more, or if you are a privacy officer interested in requesting membership to the Privacy Officer Peer Group, please contact Phyllis Jeden or William G. Hardison III.

FAQ

I work in a state, Tribal, local, or territorial health department on some data privacy related tasks, but my title is not “Privacy Officer.” Is POPG right for me?

Yes! POPG is for those in state, Tribal, local, and territorial governments doing data privacy related work, regardless of whether they have the title Privacy Officer. At the Network we understand that folks working in health departments often where many hats, so if you deal with privacy data as even a small part of your work, POPG is for you. 

Can I join POPG even though I am not a lawyer?

Yes, POPG welcomes lawyers and non-lawyers! If you encounter privacy data concerns and issues during the course of your work, POPG is for you.

What type of data privacy work would make me eligible for POPG?

Data privacy work can include those who are responsible for collecting, using, and protecting data including personal identifiable information, disease surveillance data, and outbreak response data. It also includes individuals who ensure compliance with laws such as HIPAA, 42 CRF Part 2, and state confidentiality statutes. Additionally, data privacy work encompasses efforts to promote transparency and accountability, as well as decisions that balance individual privacy with public health needs to improve community health and health equity.

What are the benefits of joining POPG?

Members of POPG  join a dynamic peer group of other public health professionals from state, local, Tribal and territorial health departments and community organizations providing services on Tribal lands. POPG provides a welcoming space to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from each other through a listserv and messaging platform.  Members also have access to quarterly webinars that provide technical training and opportunities to participate in small-group discussions on topics of shared interest. In addition, tailored technical assistance is available to help members address specific questions and receive expert guidance.

Is there a cost associated with being a member of POPG?

No. Membership in POPG is completely free.