AFCEA Bethesda will be following all protocol set by the parent organization, AFCEA International. To find out more about what AFCEA International is doing, click here.

We want you to know that your health and safety are our top priorities. We’re working closely with the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, our vendor partners, and the city government to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. Here’s what you can expect at this year’s Health IT Summit.

Vaccine Requirement

AFCEA Bethesda will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all participants attending the 15th annual Health IT Summit. 
 
Every guest, staff member, and volunteer will be required to upload proof of vaccination before being admitted into the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Instructions for verifying your vaccination status can be found during registration. 
 
You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks (14 days) after you have completed either the second dose in a two-dose series (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) or after a single dose of the J&J vaccine. You must complete your final vaccine by January 3, 2023, to be considered fully vaccinated for the Health IT Summit. 

 

Unvaccinated Individuals 

If you are unvaccinated at the time of registration, you may log back into your registration at any time using this link to upload your vaccination card: Modify Registration.
 
Refusal to provide either document will result in your removal from the venue and forfeiture of your registration fee. 

 

Masks

AFCEA Bethesda and the Health IT Summit will be following any/all mask mandates by the local jurisdiction. At this time there is no mask mandate in place; however, AFCEA Bethesda will provide masks at registration for anyone who is interested. 
 
AFCEA Bethesda will update this page with current mask protocols as we get closer to the Health IT Summit.
 

Other Safety Measures 

Hand sanitizer will be provided, and additional cleaning measures will be taken prior to the event.  
 
Food and drink will be served with your health and safety in mind. 
 
We will have additional signage on-site informing guests of safety measures taken. 

 

References 

CDC:

Event planners might choose to verify COVID-19 vaccination status at the time of ticket sales or entry to an event. Organizers must obey all applicable local, state, tribal, and territorial laws, regulations, and rules as they consider whether to confirm COVID-19 vaccination status. If organizers choose to require COVID-19 vaccination for participation in an event, they should do so in a manner that is respectful to staff and attendees and consistent with applicable privacy laws and standards.

The federal government does not require vaccination for people. Additionally, CDC does not monitor vaccination records. State or other applicable laws determine whether organizers can require COVID-19 vaccination.

HIPAA applies only to covered entities (health care providers, health care plans) that conduct or engage in certain electronic transactions. HIPAA ensures a patient’s health information is properly protected while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide high-quality care and to protect public well-being. Most event organizers would not fall into the category of a covered entity as defined under the statute. For this reason, HIPAA would not apply to most event organizers attempting to verify an individual’s vaccination status. Event organizers with questions regarding the application of HIPAA and/or other potentially applicable privacy laws to vaccination verification activities should consult with legal counsel prior to taking such actions.