Center for Eye Care Privacy and Security  Issues

 

 

 

1               Patient information is never discussed in public areas.

 

2               Conversations with the patient/family regarding confidential information is not held in public areas, particularly waiting rooms.

 

3               Intercom announcements do not include patient information.

 

4               Phone conversations are in held in areas where confidential information cannot be overheard.

 

5               Except for the patient's name, confidential patient information is not called out into the waiting room or discussed in transit to the examination room.

 

6               Patient lists, including scheduled procedures and appointment types and notes, with information beyond room assignments are not readily visible by patients or visitors.

 

7               Patient records are filed in storage cabinets and rooms are locked.

 

8               Dictation is completed in an area where confidential information can not be overheard.

 

9               At the front desk or examination rooms, documents with patient information are kept face down or concealed to avoid observation by patients or visitors. Only authorized Center personal have access to confidential information.

 

10           Paper records and medical charts are stored or filed to avoid observation by patients or visitors.

 

11           Physical access to fax machines and printers is limited to authorized personnel.

 

12           Confidential information is not left on an unattended printer, photocopier or fax machine, unless these devices are in a secure area.

 

13           Release of confidential information is done by staff specifically authorized to do so.

 

14           Answering machines are turned down so information being left cannot be overhead by other staff or visitors.

 

15           Confidential information is discarded by shredding and placing in an appropriate container.

 

16           Confidential information should remain in the medical record.  Medical records should never be removed from the Center

 

17           Confidential information should not be copied or removed in any form from the Center without appropriate approval.

 

18           Computer monitors are positioned away from common areas to avoid observation by visitors.

 

19           The screens on unattended computers are returned to a logon screen. IDs and passwords are never shared.

 

20           Workstations are not shared by individuals that have different levels of confidential information clearance.

 

21           Visitors and patients are appropriately escorted to ensure they do not access staff areas, dictating rooms, chart storage.

 

22           Visitors are never permitted in areas that may contain confidential information.