'Privacy-Friendly' Practices
- Secure records in all locations
- Passwords
- Computer screens
- Remember individuals' right to privacy during treatments
An important aspect of protecting a patient's privacy is keeping their records secure regardless of where they are kept. If a medical record is kept in an office and the office is unattended and open to the public, how will the record be secured?
Confidential information and records on computers are kept secure through adherence to facility policies such as password protection. Passwords should be unique to each member of the workforce.
Protect your computer password--it should not be easily identified (for example, by a Post-It note on the computer screen), never share it with anyone.
Log off the computer when you are finished/leaving the workstation. Make sure computer screens are not visible to the public.
When providing treatment consider where you are and who is around the patient. Help protect the patient by giving them the opportunity for privacy when providing treatment or discussing their condition.