Guide includes 10-step plan for meaningful use
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has created a 47-page “Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information,” now available here. The guide includes the following five chapters:
- What Is Privacy & Security and Why Does It Matter?
- Privacy and & Security and Meaningful Use
- Privacy & Security 10 Step Plan for Meaningful Use
- Integrating Privacy and Security into Your Practice
- Privacy and Security Resources
The guide is intended to help providers ensure a safe transition to electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can be a great deal safer than paper records, but different security practices must be enforced. In particular, the guide focuses on what must be done when patients request an electronic copy of their health records and also includes a checklist for risk management. All EHR users are urged to employ strong passwords, to encrypt their data, and to back that data up to a reliable backup system.
The guide notes the different security measures that must be taken for client-server models and cloud-based models. An office-based system give users more control over security, but may require manual updates, and a plan for disaster recovery must be in place. Security in internet-based systems is controlled by the EHR vendor, but the data can be stored in another country to ensure it is safe in the event of a natural disaster.
The guide also includes a 10-step plan for meaningful use.
ONC hopes that this guide will increase trust among providers that data shared electronically will be safe, which will help spur health information forward. If you have questions about meaningful use or data security, please visit www.chartlogic.com.
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About ChartLogic, Inc.
Electronic health records . . . better patient care since 1994. ChartLogic has helped thousands of practices make the transition from paper to digital medical offices. Guaranteed to meet meaningful use requirements, ChartLogic offers two comprehensive electronic health record suites that include electronic medical records, superior medical billing software, document management, and interactive patient education. ChartLogic helps physicians provide better patient care through better technology. For further information, visit www.chartlogic.com.
