SECURITY MEASURES
1-2 Journal -- Security Measures
Logan Izquierdo
Southern New Hampshire University
Title
Security measures are important in many fields, however, in healthcare it is especially
important. Healthcare organizations must have exemplary security measures as to not only
protect their patients protected health information (PHI) but also to keep their current patient's
trust when caring for them. Here I will be detailing some important security measures that all
healthcare organizations to have.
Security Measure Choices
In the healthcare setting, employees should have multiple ways of keeping PHI safe and
secure. Every healthcare employee should have their own unique passwords, a token, and
biometric identifiers.
Security Measure Rationale
Passwords are essential because they are only known by the individual they are created
by. A string password should have characteristics like upper- and lower-case characters, special
characters, numbers, and length requirements. Passwords are more secure with those parameters
and if properly secured, they can only allow authorized users to have access to certain computers
and patient files. A token is a physical object, like a picture ID badge with a magnetic strip or
barcode, that allows its user to either access authorized computers or even restricted areas in a
healthcare building. A token can prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing computer
containing PHI or from entering rooms they do not have access to. Biometric identifiers are
facial recognition systems, fingerprints, or retinal scanners. These are unique to every individual
and can be used to keep unauthorized personnel from accessing restricted areas, computers
containing PHI, and patient EHR's
Importance of Data Security
Data must be kept secure in order for patient information only to be used to properly treat
the patient and not for malicious intent. Patients come into hospitals, ambulatory centers, etc. and
expect to have an information taken from them to be secure. In order for healthcare professionals
to treat and help them to the best of their ability, security measures must be used. Data security is
also important to keep the patient's trust. If a healthcare organization cannot keep patient
information safe, then current patients will leave and future patients will find other places to go
to treat their conditions.
Role-Based Access
Role-based access will have a positive impact on enhancing security. Role-based access
keeps people in certain roles to only access information they need to carry out their duties. For
example, a role-based access only gives a coder access to PHI so that they can properly carry out
their job. Role-based access will not give the coder access to clinical information because they
do not need it for their role. Unlike a coder, role-based access gives a nurse access to patient
clinical information because they need it for their role.
Conclusion
As you can see, strong security is very important in the healthcare setting. Without it,
patient information is at risk to be accessed and used maliciously by unauthorized users. If not
for strong security measures, patients will also lose their trust with the healthcare organizations
and seek other