Page 25 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part Two

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

form and is typically furnished by the vendor or IT professional

who installs the portal system. It should be tailored to each
individual practice’s needs. The purpose of this document is to

grant the provider permission to transmit ePHI using the portal.
It sets forth the practice’s policy on access and release of the

patient’s medical records and discusses the risks associated
with use of the portal as well as the patient’s need to keep his or

her login (authentication) information secure. In addition to
outlining the rights and responsibilities of both parties, it should

contain a prominent warning instructing the patient to not use
the portal for communication in the event of an emergency.

Additional Concerns

Audio and Video Recording

Nowadays, everyone has a pocket-sized, easy-to-use audio-

video recording device available almost instantly 24 hours a
day – a cell phone. Just as people record more of life’s events,

many now record conversations with their physicians and
other healthcare providers. These recordings can be performed

either with permission or surreptitiously. It is safe to say that if a
provider has not yet had this issue present itself, it will at some

point in the near future.

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