Yesterday I wrote a piece on EMR and EHR where I talk about why Secure Text Messaging is Better Than SMS. I think it makes a solid case for why every organization should be using some sort of secure text messaging solution. Plus, I do so without trying to use fear of HIPAA violations to make the case.
However, you can certainly make the case for a secure text messaging solution in healthcare based on HIPAA compliance. In fact, the people at Imprivata have essentially made that case really well in their CIO Guide to HIPAA Compliant Text Messaging. This is well worth a read if you’re in a healthcare organization that could be at risk for insecure texting (yes, that’s every organization).
They break down the path to compliance into 3 steps:
- Policy – Establish an organizational policy
- Product – Identify and appropriate text messaging solution
- Practice – Implement and actively managing the text messaging solution.
Texting is a reality in hospitals today and the best solution isn’t suppression, but enabling users with a secure solution. The checklists in the CIO Guide to HIPAA Compliant Text Messaging provide a great foundation for making sure your organization is enabling your users in a HIPAA compliant manner.
