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Protect PDAs to keep info secure

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, May 7, 2008

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Many healthcare workers use personal digital assistants (PDAs) and laptops, and the most frequent risk when using PDAs and laptops is the risk of theft of the device. This results in a loss of equipment and potential loss of data confidentiality. PDAs should be locked in a drawer or briefcase when not in use. If your device is stolen or lost, file an incident report with your facility as soon as possible.

The following are some helpful tips to keep personal health information (PHI) secure while using a PDA or other portable computer:

1. Do not save information on a portable device unless it is protected by a password
2. Do not keep passwords and access codes on your PDA under any circumstances
3. Work with your organization to ensure and protect backups from your portable device
4. Consider encrypting PHI on portable devices

Editor's note: The above excerpt is from the online course "HIPAA Series: Privacy & Security for the Nursing/Clinical Staff." Check out our online courses!

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