Welcome to the Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum Health and Safety Hub. This page will be updated with information about HIMSS’ plans for health and safety policies for attendees, sponsors, speakers, and staff at the Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum. Please check back frequently for news and additional guidance as we refine our planning.
The last update to this page was made on November 22, 2022.
Health and Safety at Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum
The Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum is just around the corner, and we are excited to continue to finalize our plans to be together, in-person in Boston.
HIMSS is committed to following prevailing public health guidance and industry best practices for large gatherings, including but not limited to following the current United States Centers for Disease Control guidance specific to Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and all applicable state and local guidance that may be in place at the time of the Forum.
Before Leaving Home:
- Follow relevant guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and/or your local health authority.
- Adhere to government issued travel restrictions and guidance issued by the region you will be traveling to and the region from which you are traveling.
- Stay home if you feel sick, have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
On-site During the Event:
- COVID-19 vaccination is not required and we will not check vaccination status onsite.
- At this time, masks are not required and up to each individual on whether they choose to wear one.
- Follow guidance from the local health authority for everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including, but not limited to:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Go to the event First Aid office at any time if you feel unwell or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
- In the event that HIMSS is informed of a positive COVID case, registered attendees will be notified by email as soon as possible.
HIMSS is committed to a safe and inclusive experience for all participants, and we will continue to monitor CDC guidance around COVID. HIMSS will exercise reasonable efforts to utilize protocols that will comply with or exceed any local public health requirements and be consistent with then-prevailing public health standards as issued by relevant public health entities. Those protocols may include but are not limited to the following requirements: vaccination, proof of COVID status, self-monitoring, biometric screening, symptom checkers, contact tracing, use of personal protective equipment and social distancing, or other similar measures. Compliance with some or all of the protocols adopted by HIMSS may be mandatory for attendance and participation at the Forum. Additional information regarding the specific health and safety measures, and any necessary consents by you, will be communicated to Attendees prior to the first day of the Forum.
Additionally, HIMSS strongly recommends all attendees, sponsors, and HIMSS staff comply with travel guidelines issued by the CDC when traveling to Boston, MA. In addition, we expect all individuals will think carefully about any risk they may pose to others and to make informed choices about travel as well as onsite and external engagement.
External Resources
Venue Websites
CDC Website
COVID-19 County Check for Suffolk County, Massachusetts
(Data Provided by CDC with updates every Thursday by 8 pm ET)