Although data security is essential to the protection and privacy of electronic medical records, security requirements may make it difficult for healthcare providers and patients to access critical information, according to a Chicago Tribune news report.
Data security measures have been mandated by the federal government to facilitate the transfer of information among patients and healthcare providers in a safe and secure manner. Data security also protects against possible data breaches and identity theft. However, though well-intentioned, such stringent security measures could make it harder for providers and patients to access information when it's needed the most.
In order to access EMR, physicians and nurses are often required to go through multiples steps to authenticate their identity. Some systems require a fingerprint scan or unique pass card before the provider is required to type in a login username and password. In some cases, physicians may even have to prove they are actively a part of a patient's case in order to access that patient's record, according to the news report.
Although privacy groups have long applauded the protections provided under the HIPAA of 1996, some experts believe the legislation, which was passed before the recent surging emergence of EMRs, may be outdated.
Read the news report about EMR privacy and security.
Read other coverage about EMRs:
- CHIME: Healthcare CIOs Optimistic About Incentives But Majority Won't Qualify Early
- Ambulatory EMRs May Not Achieve Meaningful Use, Despite High Levels of Confidence
- Study Highlights Barriers to Efficient Use of EHR Alerts
Data security measures have been mandated by the federal government to facilitate the transfer of information among patients and healthcare providers in a safe and secure manner. Data security also protects against possible data breaches and identity theft. However, though well-intentioned, such stringent security measures could make it harder for providers and patients to access information when it's needed the most.
In order to access EMR, physicians and nurses are often required to go through multiples steps to authenticate their identity. Some systems require a fingerprint scan or unique pass card before the provider is required to type in a login username and password. In some cases, physicians may even have to prove they are actively a part of a patient's case in order to access that patient's record, according to the news report.
Although privacy groups have long applauded the protections provided under the HIPAA of 1996, some experts believe the legislation, which was passed before the recent surging emergence of EMRs, may be outdated.
Read the news report about EMR privacy and security.
Read other coverage about EMRs:
- CHIME: Healthcare CIOs Optimistic About Incentives But Majority Won't Qualify Early
- Ambulatory EMRs May Not Achieve Meaningful Use, Despite High Levels of Confidence
- Study Highlights Barriers to Efficient Use of EHR Alerts