Rx2000HIPAA Digest, Volume 13 > > #1 From: Lane.Hatcher@59MDW.WHMC.AF.MIL Subject: RE: Biometrics > #2 From: meyerp@ihhs.org Subject: > #3 From: telecom@westol.com Subject: RE: RE: Cell Phones > #4 From: LJBROWN@co.riverside.ca.us Subject: Re: RE: Cell Phones > #5 From: henrybasset@chesapeake.net Subject: Re: Biometrics > #6 From: David.Foley@ps.net Subject: RE: Alpha pagers > #7 From: LJBROWN@co.riverside.ca.us Subject: RE: RE: Cell Phones > #8 From: john.rome@OCHSNER-HMO.COM Subject: RE: > > > ********** Message #1 ********** > From: Lane.Hatcher@59MDW.WHMC.AF.MIL > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > Subject: RE: Biometrics > Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 14:45:54 -0500 > > We use the finger print scanner on some of our PCs. Our hospital, a gov't. > facility, does not have the budget for this device on all PCs, so it's very > useful, but its use is very limited. I don't remember who the vendor is, > but I'm sure others on this list will have the details. As I recall, the > cost was about $10K for a license that covered the hospital, then about $100 > per device/per PC. Setup on the individual PC takes about 3 minutes; I > don't know how well this device would work, though, in patient care areas > with high personnel turnover - the administrtion of it would be no better or > worse, I suppose, than any other password. > > Lane Hatcher > Systems Engineer > Wilford Hall Medical Center > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [SMTP:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org] > > Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 12:39 PM > > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > > Subject: Biometrics > > > > > > Has anyone tested in the form of a pilot or using biometric > > (finger print, retinal scan, etc) security software? I am > > curious about what vendors others have tried, the cost and > > your experiences related to implementation, use and support. > > Thanks, Rita > > ---------------------------------------- > > Rita Hubert > > Vice President, Information Technology > > Mount Sinai NYU Health > > Voice: (212) 263-8784 > > Email: Rita.Hubert@Med.Nyu.Edu > > Fax: (212) 263-8156 > > > > > > ********** Message #2 ********** > From: meyerp@ihhs.org > To: "'rx2000hipaa@rx2000.org'" > Subject: > Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 14:44:59 -0500 > > Is it possible to get this listserve back on the focus of discussing HIPAA > issues. It appears that the focus lately has turned to cell phone policies > in hospitals. > > Thank-you > > ********** Message #3 ********** > From: telecom@westol.com > To: > Subject: RE: RE: Cell Phones > Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 15:18:09 -0400 > > We have had a cellular network within the Hospital for > over 9 years. I agree that there is a serious over reaction > to possible cell phone problems and medical equipment. I > can watch an emergency vehicle with a 55watt+++radio or > a trucker with a ???watt radio keying their mic on the > street outside our Hospital saturating with more RF energy > then would be created by a .6watt cellphone. If medical > equipment isn't properly shielded, restricting cellphones is > the "tip of the iceberg" and the real problem is not being > resolved! > > We invested in a spectrum analyzer 4+ years ago but have > never had any medical equipment or other problems traceable > to EMI/EFI. We do prohibit any outside equipment (radios, > cellphones, home electric razors, etc.) in our critical care units, > emergency department, and ORs as a matter of prudence anyway. > Use anywhere in the Hospital has not caused any problems. We > utilize cellular technology as a communications tool and also > have installed wireless LAN and wireless phones off our PBX. > > We use digital devices which secure interception except with > the most sophisticated survelliance equipment. We do not see > this as a consideration for HIPAA. > > Bob Guine, Communications/BioMedical Services Manager > Latrobe Area Hospital, Latrobe, PA 15650 > bguine@lah.com > > -----Original Message----- > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [mailto:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org] > Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2000 9:25 AM > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > Subject: Re: RE: Cell Phones > > > > This is a hot topic but one that centers around the urban legend of the cell > phone interference driving the wheelchair bound patient off the cliff. > Years ago when cellular service was sparse and it took a greater amount of > power to communicate, in this case 3 watts power out, there was the > possibility of interference. Today, with the increase of towers (almost > everywhere you look), the technology (particularly digital) has reduced the > power to one - one hundredths of a watt (or less). I would be hard pressed > to believe there to be a possibility of interference here. In fact, several > of our service providers have installed (at our approval) additional > transmitters to improve cellular coverage throughout the hospital & clinics. > Our Emergency Room has 36 cell phones they use to conduct their business. > We do limit access (off limits in some areas) but for the most part, > cellular service is almost impossible to police. Where I found it to be an > impact was a great reduction in pay phone revenue for us. At our best, we > took in about $100K in a single years revenue. Now its down around $35K and > dropping. If there is a good reason for limiting cellular, this is mine. > > Dwain Shaw > Director of Information Services > Medical College of Georgia > (706) 721-4405 > > >>> 04/21 7:37 AM >>> > > > This is a hot topic. A couple years back, the hospital looked at > and reviewed cellular and other wireless communications devices and > addressed some concerns regarding what could be affected. Our policy > basicly stated that cellular phones were permitted in our Main Lobby, > Cafeteria, Doctor's Lounge and Ground Floor Meeting Rooms. In all other > areas, cellular phones are to be turned off due to the possiblity of > interference with electrical medical equipment that could result in harm to > our patients. Our bio-medical equipment company has a list of frequencies > that could effect medical equipment we own if the signal is transmitting at > close range. All our entrances into the building have signs posted to > turn-off cell phones while in building. In the event of cmmunications > failure, limited number of cell phones are brought to the nursing units to > use for necessary calls. By limiting there usage in the building, we have > increased our confidentiality concerns as well as other issues indirectly. > Enforcement of the policy is done by all staff members. > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [SMTP:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org] > > Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 6:41 PM > > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > > Subject: Cell Phones > > > > > > I would appreciate any assistance in regard to the policies in use for > > Cell > > Phones. I think that the use of cell phones has extended broadly > > throughout > > hospitals generally and I fear that in certain situations they may be used > > to discuss patient care issues. Since Cell Phones are not guaranteed in > > regard to privacy there is a growing concern regarding confidentiality. I > > have two questions > > 1. Do you restrict use to certain areas and certain groups of > > employees? > > 2. If you allow them to be used what policies do you have in place? > > Thank You. > > > > > > Margaret Chuman > > PeaceHealth > > 425.649.3871 > > > > > > > ********** Message #4 ********** > From: LJBROWN@co.riverside.ca.us > To: > Subject: Re: RE: Cell Phones > Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 11:36:26 -0800 > > ECRI, the Emergency Care Research Institute, published a guidance article > regarding EMI/RFI in it's October 1999 issue of Health Devices. Their = > conclusion was to relax overly restrictive policies regarding cellphones = > and pointed up the far greater risk of "walkie-talkies". Check www.ecri.org= > > > >>> 04/25/00 06:24AM >>> > > This is a hot topic but one that centers around the urban legend of the = > cell phone interference driving the wheelchair bound patient off the = > cliff. Years ago when cellular service was sparse and it took a greater = > amount of power to communicate, in this case 3 watts power out, there was = > the possibility of interference. Today, with the increase of towers = > (almost everywhere you look), the technology (particularly digital) has = > reduced the power to one - one hundredths of a watt (or less). I would be = > hard pressed to believe there to be a possibility of interference here. = > In fact, several of our service providers have installed (at our approval) = > additional transmitters to improve cellular coverage throughout the = > hospital & clinics. Our Emergency Room has 36 cell phones they use to = > conduct their business. We do limit access (off limits in some areas) but = > for the most part, cellular service is almost impossible to police. Where = > I found it to be an impact was a great reduction in pay phone revenue for = > us. At our best, we took in about $100K in a single years revenue. Now = > its down around $35K and dropping. If there is a good reason for limiting = > cellular, this is mine. > > Dwain Shaw > Director of Information Services > Medical College of Georgia > (706) 721-4405 > > >>> 04/21 7:37 AM >>> > > > This is a hot topic. A couple years back, the hospital looked at > and reviewed cellular and other wireless communications devices and > addressed some concerns regarding what could be affected. Our policy > basicly stated that cellular phones were permitted in our Main Lobby, > Cafeteria, Doctor's Lounge and Ground Floor Meeting Rooms. In all other > areas, cellular phones are to be turned off due to the possiblity of > interference with electrical medical equipment that could result in harm = > to > our patients. Our bio-medical equipment company has a list of frequencies > that could effect medical equipment we own if the signal is transmitting = > at > close range. All our entrances into the building have signs posted to > turn-off cell phones while in building. In the event of cmmunications > failure, limited number of cell phones are brought to the nursing units to > use for necessary calls. By limiting there usage in the building, we have > increased our confidentiality concerns as well as other issues indirectly. > Enforcement of the policy is done by all staff members. > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [SMTP:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org]=20 > > Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 6:41 PM > > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org=20 > > Subject: Cell Phones > > > > > > I would appreciate any assistance in regard to the policies in use for > > Cell > > Phones. I think that the use of cell phones has extended broadly > > throughout > > hospitals generally and I fear that in certain situations they may be = > used > > to discuss patient care issues. Since Cell Phones are not guaranteed in > > regard to privacy there is a growing concern regarding confidentiality. = > I > > have two questions > > 1. Do you restrict use to certain areas and certain groups of > > employees? > > 2. If you allow them to be used what policies do you have in = > place? > > Thank You. > > > > > > Margaret Chuman > > PeaceHealth > > 425.649.3871 > > > > > > > > ********** Message #5 ********** > From: henrybasset@chesapeake.net > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > Subject: Re: Biometrics > Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 18:52:17 -0400 > > I've seen both fingerprint readers as well as palm readers. The fingerprint readers were not very popular. One comment to consider.. Bluetooth was in the > WSJ a few days ago and should be on the scene shortly. I understand we should be seeing better security measures from the technology. It's basically short > range comms that will enable PDA's etc to communucated (I assume like 802.11 wlan), but may make user validation easier. > > Anyone have any insight on this? > > Jeff Stutzman > Healthcare ISAC > www.info-security.net > > > Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org wrote: > > > Has anyone tested in the form of a pilot or using biometric > > (finger print, retinal scan, etc) security software? I am > > curious about what vendors others have tried, the cost and > > your experiences related to implementation, use and support. > > Thanks, Rita > > ---------------------------------------- > > Rita Hubert > > Vice President, Information Technology > > Mount Sinai NYU Health > > Voice: (212) 263-8784 > > Email: Rita.Hubert@Med.Nyu.Edu > > Fax: (212) 263-8156 > > > > > ********** Message #6 ********** > From: David.Foley@ps.net > To: "'Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org'" > Subject: RE: Alpha pagers > Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 11:01:36 -0500 > > I have seen this topic in other list serves as well. Assuming that a > message sent to an alpha pager must at some point reside in electronic > format, the information would be covered under HIPAA. > > David Foley, CHE > Perot Systems > david.foley@ps.net > > -----Original Message----- > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [mailto:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org] > Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2000 2:02 PM > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > Subject: Alpha pagers > > > > since we're on cell phones let me throw another one in here... > > Does anyone have information whether alpha messages sent to pagers > containing patient information would come under the security regs????? > > > > Larry Morgan, RPh > Manager, Clinical Systems > North Mississippi Health Services > 812 Varsity Dr. > Tupelo, Ms 38801 > > > > > > ********** Message #7 ********** > From: LJBROWN@co.riverside.ca.us > To: > Subject: RE: RE: Cell Phones > Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 09:11:04 -0800 > > --=_287015A1.0E6F18D5 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > Content-Disposition: inline > > ECRI, the Emergency Care Research Institute, published a guidance article > regarding EMI/RFI in it's October 1999 issue of Health Devices. Their = > conclusion was to relax overly restrictive policies regarding cellphones = > and pointed up the far greater risk of "walkie-talkies". Check www.ecri.org= > > > >>> 04/27/00 12:18PM >>> > > We have had a cellular network within the Hospital for > over 9 years. I agree that there is a serious over reaction > to possible cell phone problems and medical equipment. I > can watch an emergency vehicle with a 55watt+++radio or > a trucker with a ???watt radio keying their mic on the > street outside our Hospital saturating with more RF energy > then would be created by a .6watt cellphone. If medical > equipment isn't properly shielded, restricting cellphones is > the "tip of the iceberg" and the real problem is not being > resolved! > > We invested in a spectrum analyzer 4+ years ago but have > never had any medical equipment or other problems traceable > to EMI/EFI. We do prohibit any outside equipment (radios, > cellphones, home electric razors, etc.) in our critical care units, > emergency department, and ORs as a matter of prudence anyway. > Use anywhere in the Hospital has not caused any problems. We > utilize cellular technology as a communications tool and also > have installed wireless LAN and wireless phones off our PBX. > > We use digital devices which secure interception except with > the most sophisticated survelliance equipment. We do not see > this as a consideration for HIPAA. > > Bob Guine, Communications/BioMedical Services Manager > Latrobe Area Hospital, Latrobe, PA 15650 > bguine@lah.com=20 > > -----Original Message----- > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [mailto:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org]=20 > Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2000 9:25 AM > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org=20 > Subject: Re: RE: Cell Phones > > > > This is a hot topic but one that centers around the urban legend of the = > cell > phone interference driving the wheelchair bound patient off the cliff. > Years ago when cellular service was sparse and it took a greater amount of > power to communicate, in this case 3 watts power out, there was the > possibility of interference. Today, with the increase of towers (almost > everywhere you look), the technology (particularly digital) has reduced = > the > power to one - one hundredths of a watt (or less). I would be hard = > pressed > to believe there to be a possibility of interference here. In fact, = > several > of our service providers have installed (at our approval) additional > transmitters to improve cellular coverage throughout the hospital & = > clinics. > Our Emergency Room has 36 cell phones they use to conduct their business. > We do limit access (off limits in some areas) but for the most part, > cellular service is almost impossible to police. Where I found it to be = > an > impact was a great reduction in pay phone revenue for us. At our best, we > took in about $100K in a single years revenue. Now its down around $35K = > and > dropping. If there is a good reason for limiting cellular, this is mine. > > Dwain Shaw > Director of Information Services > Medical College of Georgia > (706) 721-4405 > > >>> 04/21 7:37 AM >>> > > > This is a hot topic. A couple years back, the hospital looked at > and reviewed cellular and other wireless communications devices and > addressed some concerns regarding what could be affected. Our policy > basicly stated that cellular phones were permitted in our Main Lobby, > Cafeteria, Doctor's Lounge and Ground Floor Meeting Rooms. In all other > areas, cellular phones are to be turned off due to the possiblity of > interference with electrical medical equipment that could result in harm = > to > our patients. Our bio-medical equipment company has a list of frequencies > that could effect medical equipment we own if the signal is transmitting = > at > close range. All our entrances into the building have signs posted to > turn-off cell phones while in building. In the event of cmmunications > failure, limited number of cell phones are brought to the nursing units to > use for necessary calls. By limiting there usage in the building, we have > increased our confidentiality concerns as well as other issues indirectly. > Enforcement of the policy is done by all staff members. > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org [SMTP:Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org]=20 > > Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 6:41 PM > > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org=20 > > Subject: Cell Phones > > > > > > I would appreciate any assistance in regard to the policies in use for > > Cell > > Phones. I think that the use of cell phones has extended broadly > > throughout > > hospitals generally and I fear that in certain situations they may be = > used > > to discuss patient care issues. Since Cell Phones are not guaranteed in > > regard to privacy there is a growing concern regarding confidentiality. = > I > > have two questions > > 1. Do you restrict use to certain areas and certain groups of > > employees? > > 2. If you allow them to be used what policies do you have in = > place? > > Thank You. > > > > > > Margaret Chuman > > PeaceHealth > > 425.649.3871 > > > > > > > > ********** Message #8 ********** > From: john.rome@OCHSNER-HMO.COM > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000.org > Subject: RE: > Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2000 12:44:19 -0500 > > I am tasked with reviewing what other health insurance organizations are=20= > publishing related to confidentiality of information, including sanctions=20= > for noncompliance for revamping company policies=2E Any examples would be=20= > greatly appreciated=2E Please send to me or share with the group=2E > > John P=2E Rome > Security Administrator > Ochsner Health Plan=20= > Metairie, LA > john=2Erome@ochsner-hmo=2Ecom > ---------- > From: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000=2Eorg > To: Rx2000HIPAA@rx2000=2Eorg > Subject: > Date: Friday, April 28, 2000 11:43AM > > <> > > Is it possible to get this listserve back on the focus of discussing HIPAA > issues=2E It appears that the focus lately has turned to cell phone > policies > in hospitals=2E > > Thank-you > >