Privacy and Security Risks for the Electronic Health Record

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Recommended: Security of medical records

In most cases privacy and security risks apply to both paper and electronic records. With the growing demand for the electronic health record (EHR) system, the transfer from paper to electronic can be risky. For this project we were asked to compare and contrast the security issues between maintenance of paper medical records and the EHR system, also we were asked to discuss what requirements and issues need to be considered when doing a conversion to an EHR.

Inappropriate access is one of the most common ways a patient’s record is at risk. In paper records the risk could happen by a non-authorized person achieving access to record storage areas or finding records left wide open on a counter. Other ways of inappropriate access is files left in exam rooms, in a copy machines or faxes that get misdirected (What are the privacy and security risks of electronic V. paper health records?, n.d.). Wither the inappropriate access is accidental or intentional; files need to be protected at all cost. There are simple steps that the facility can take to ensure that their paper records are being protected.

First and foremost the protection of any medical record is not just the responsibility of one person, but the entire facility. Every facility should have a policy that protects the patient records from ending up in the wrong hands. Some of the steps could include “segregating records into separate locked storage areas, having a recording sign in and sign out procedures, and maintaining records handling training and other similar procedures” (What are the privacy and security risks of electronic V. paper health records?, n.d.). Althought nothing can garenatee 100% protection, having a policy in the facility can lessen the risk of inapp...

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...ment consulting: http://www.hayesmanagement.com/media/newsletters/2009_December_article4.php

Nelson, MS, R. (2010, May 20). Successful ways to implement a practice management system and EHR. Retrieved from MGMA e-newsletter and Publications: http://www.mgma.com/blog/Successful-ways-to-implement-a-practice-management-system-and-EHR/

Thakkar, M., & Dacis, P. ,. (2006, August 14). Risks, Barriers, and Benefits of EHR systems: A Comparative Study Based on Size of hospital. Retrieved from AHIMA: http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_031779.html

What are the pricacy and security risks of electronic V. paper health records? (n.d.). Retrieved from U.S. Department of HEalth and human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration: http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/HealthITAdoptiontoolbox/PrivacyandSecurity/securityrisks.html

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