Wednesday, October 1, 2014

PATIENT INFORMATION STORED ON MOBILE DEVICES


Most dental practices now keep patient information on desktop computers and various mobile devices such as laptops, tablets or smart phones.  Protecting electronically stored patient data is mandatory in order to be in compliance with the Security Rule of HIPAA.

Consider the following precautions.  Enable encryption that came with your mobile device or purchase and install an encryption program.  Keep the device locked, accessible only by password.  A program to allow remote wiping or disabling should be installed to be used in case of loss or theft of the device.  Use no file-sharing applications.  Make certain Wi-Fi transmissions are used only with an encrypted network connection.  Use extreme care to delete stored patient health or payment information before discarding or reusing any mobile device, preferably seeking advice concerning deletion from an expert.

For additional information on security of mobile devices go to:  healthit.gov/providers-professionals/how-can-you-protect-and-secure-health-information-when-using-mobile-device.

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