Page 11 - Part 1 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

Additionally, this course will not cover telemedicine as it is covered
in a separate online course. The purpose of this course is to

provide a general overview and identify some potential risks

associated with the most commonly used forms of electronic
media in healthcare today.

Electronic Communication Security

From a risk perspective, the two primary considerations when
using electronic media in a healthcare setting are protecting the

patient’s confidential information and accurately recording or

transmitting the essential information. The following will examine
both of these aspects, starting with protection.

The Health Insurance Portability Accountability

Act (HIPAA)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

(HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, was enacted on August 21, 1996. The

HIPAA Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect
individuals' medical records and other personal health information;

this applies to health plans, healthcare clearinghouses and those

healthcare providers that conduct certain healthcare transactions
electronically. Covered entities are healthcare providers who

conduct certain transactions electronically, as defined by the Rule.
Most physician practices are considered covered entities.

The Privacy Rule requires the protection of all “protected health

information (PHI)” that is created, received, stored or transmitted
by covered entities. Generally, PHI is information that can identify

an individual along with the provision of healthcare. Protected
health information in an electronic format is commonly

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