Securing protected health information during file disposal

When a healthcare provider changes facilities, it is important that they understand how to properly dispose of or transfer PHI


However important it is that entities adhere to HIPAA privacy regulations while storing protected health information (PHI), it is equally important that they consider PHI security while moving from facility to facility and when disposing of PHI, according to an article on the Health IT Security website. 

If a provider opts to scan in paper files to make the move easier, it is still critical that they understand the correct method for disposing of the paper files.

In the case of relocation, HIPAA mandates that these documents be adequately destroyed and not left behind or disposed of in a public receptacle.

For instance, the records should be shredded, burned, pulped, or pulverized so they are unreadable and cannot be reconstructed.

Read the article.

 

 



September 25, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Ambulatory Care Facilities Reshape FM Strategies

Facilities management playbooks were written for acute care facilities, but ambulatory sites require a different approach.


Intermountain Foundation Receives $150M Gift for Children's Hospital in Nevada

Intermountain Health Felicia and Ben Horowitz Children’s Hospital is expected to open in 2030 at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park in southwest Las Vegas.


Texas HHSC Reaches Construction Milestone for Wichita Falls State Hospital

The $452 million, 225-bed replacement hospital will provide inpatient psychiatric care and is expected to be completed in late 2027.


Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Wildfire Air Quality Events

Wildfire smoke puts pressure on mechanical systems already working hard to maintain controlled indoor environments.


UW Health Set to Open Expansion at East Madison Hospital

The $140 million project adds 120,000 square feet to the hospital, expanding its footprint to roughly 620,000 square feet.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.