Computer Policy

My PHI Breach Part 1

by HIPAA Admin on November 22, 2011

in Uncategorized

It is not unusual for me to rant here about the ridiculous level of recklessness the medical community has for our PHI. Specifically, the easiest thing to point out, as it happens all the time, is the “theft” (or loss) of a portable storage device. For those keeping score, a portable storage device is anything [...]

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Sutter Breach Notes

by HIPAA Admin on November 21, 2011

in HIPAA Headlines

As I’ve preached before, if you are going to store PHI on a mobile device (laptop, external hard drive, etc), you better make sure that you encrypt the hard drive. Typically, I am less concerned about desktop PC’s and servers as, you should have proper physical security systems in place. The recent Sutter Medical Foundation [...]

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Do as I say, not as I…Oops!

by HIPAA Admin on October 31, 2011

in HIPAA Headlines

Take a look at a list of PHI breaches and there are a few items that stand out: Many are at the hands of a contractor Most are portable storage device losses or theft (this includes tapes, laptops, etc) Lots are at big government entities One of the goals of HIPAA regulations is to give [...]

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Smart Phone, Dumb User

by HIPAA Admin on August 25, 2011

in HIPAA Headlines

Isn’t it great having a phone that is more powerful than a desktop computer from just a few years ago? All the information you ever need, right there at your finger tips. Your smart phone has access to: Your contact list Your home address (a few clicks and a thief can be at your home) [...]

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The Fire Upstairs

by HIPAA Admin on August 12, 2011

in HIPAA Headlines

Imagine this: you pull up to your office in the morning to see fire trucks putting out a fire in the office above yours. As you arrive, the flames are gone, but there is still smoke and steam coming from the building. You look around and notice that the fire never made it to your [...]

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