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Helpful Tips to Comply with Security Rule Effective April 21
The Security Rule associated with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) becomes effective on April 21, 2005. The HIPAA Security Rule applies to protected health information (PHI) maintained or transmitted in electronic forms only.
Make note of the following reminders to protect the security of ePHI:
• Never leave any PHI data displayed on your monitor when away from your desk; • Lock your computer by clicking on the yellow lock symbol at the bottom right of the task bar; • Do not download PHI files to local directories or copy files to external devices without authorization; and • BWH employees who move electronic media or information systems containing ePHI are responsible for the subsequent use of such items and must take all appropriate and reasonable actions to protect them against damage, theft, and unauthorized access.
All employees who have not received training from their supervisors or managers should complete the HIPAA Security Rule on-line training found on www.bwhpikenotes.org The HIPAA page of the intranet site also contains helpful background information on what is considered electronic protected health information (ePHI).
Further questions can be directed to the BWH HIPAA Security Office via Outlook.