UK Health Organisations Risk Painful Penalties If Patient Confidentiality
Is Not Prioritised 

Hopefully the US will follow suit and see that prevention trumps cure

http://goo.gl/tXEkS

Many people are concerned that patient confidentiality will be compromised
due to anonymity not being watertight where patient identities can be pieced
together.

Others do not trust the Government or organisations involved to maintain
adequate procedures to protect their data, particularly in light of breaches
such as those described in this article.


This related US Healthcare story was also released today:

Nearly 9 Million Kaiser Permanente Health Records Securely Available on
Mobile Devices

http://goo.gl/R5SMw

Given the citations of lapses in security above, along with many known
incidents in the US (some involving KaiPerm) you have to wonder if
sufficient security measures are in place. 

If patients can download apps to their smartphones and "at the click of a
button" access information in their hand about themselves and/or certain
family members... what happens with a lost phone?

This type of information is typically NOT covered by HIPAA because it's
considered a "PHR" (personal health record) not an EHR/EMR under the
regulations and the hospital bears no liability for its exposure.   

And I'm sure when a patient downloads the app, there will be  a 'teensy,
tiny print disclaimer' they will have to click 'I Agree' to before using it,
and they will, without reading it.

Slippery slope if sufficient care is not taken.

Larry
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