HELP FOR KEEPING MOBILE DEVICES SECURE

Use of mobile devices to store and access patients’ health information is increasing significantly each year.  Smart phones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices provide an increasing number of dental professionals with instant access to their patients’ data while posing a security risk.  The responsibility for securing all health information stored on mobile devices rests with the dentist(s) in a practice.  An important source of information about help with mobile device security is an online program available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Go to www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/your-mobile-device-and-health-information-privacy-and-security.  The site provides videos, tip sheets, answers to frequently asked questions, and other material about mobile security that can be downloaded for use by dental professionals.