Over the past few years, The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and programs, has had a change of heart about the use of texting patient orders. In 2011, the organization banned the transmission of HIPAA protected health information (PHI) via text message by personal mobile devices. Specifically, physicians and licensed independent practitioners (LIP) were not allowed to text any orders regarding care, services or treatment to hospitals or other kinds of healthcare facilities. This decision was handed down because it was believed that the technological capabilities were insufficient to support the safety and security of information contained in text messages of patient care orders.
No texting in healthcare!
No texting in healthcare!
No texting in healthcare!
Over the past few years, The Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 U.S. healthcare organizations and programs, has had a change of heart about the use of texting patient orders. In 2011, the organization banned the transmission of HIPAA protected health information (PHI) via text message by personal mobile devices. Specifically, physicians and licensed independent practitioners (LIP) were not allowed to text any orders regarding care, services or treatment to hospitals or other kinds of healthcare facilities. This decision was handed down because it was believed that the technological capabilities were insufficient to support the safety and security of information contained in text messages of patient care orders.