Page 24 - Part 1 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

above illustrates, these electronic communications can be

reproduced and used against the provider at trial.

The best practice is to always keep the wording of the

communication appropriate and respectful even if it is believed
that no one else is going to see it other than the intended recipient.

A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, “Would I want this

communication to be viewed by twelve jurors on a 6-foot screen at
my malpractice trial?” If the answer is “No,” do not hit the send

button.

Mobile Device Security

The use of mobile devices in healthcare is here to stay; indeed, the

presence of technology is in constant flux, and society is filled with
instant communication. As previously discussed, the HIPAA

Security Rule requires the protection of all electronic protected

health information that is created, received, stored or transmitted
by covered entities. In order to protect ePHI that may be accessed,

created, received, stored or transmitted with a mobile device,
policies and procedures must be in place and monitored for

compliance. A good place to start regarding policies and

procedures is HealthIT.gov, a website developed by Health and
Human Services in partnership with the national Learning

Consortium that provides resources for mobile device users in
healthcare. Additionally, when so many daily activities involve a

mobile device, convenience can overshadow privacy and security
risks. There are significant risks associated with healthcare

providers and staff communicating with or about patients

electronically, and if mobile data security measures are insufficient,
covered entities are at risk of violating HIPAA regulations. If that

occurs, heavy fines may follow.

Page | 24