Introduction
One of the central tenets of modern medical ethics is protecting patient privacy. There can be no trust between doctors and patients without the assurance of confidentiality. The 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act formally forbade divulging sensitive patient information without their consent or knowledge at a federal level (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d). However, protecting patient data while delivering quality care and meeting regulatory requirements is becoming increasingly difficult in a digitized world. A contemporary medium-sized healthcare facility security plan involves extensive physical, administrative, access, and network safeguards.
Security Plan
Physical and Administrative Safeguards
This facility’s physical and administrative safeguards are centered in employee education, health information archival and retrieval systems, and disaster recovery. They aim to limit physical access to private areas and the facilities in which electronic information systems are stored (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2020). Firstly, the facility will establish an organizational culture wherein patient security is an automatic practice through ongoing training and the example of upper management. A privacy officer responsible for enforcing privacy policies and procedures will be appointed immediately. Secondly, CCTV cameras will be placed in hallways, waiting areas, and entrances. They will be monitored by 24/7 security personnel who can be called upon at any moment when needed. Thirdly, medical records and medicine will be placed in a locked room on a floor that only staff can enter. Access will be granted only to authorized individuals, and they will be required to sign a document confirming the timing and duration of their stay. Fourthly, backups of patient information will be stored in an encrypted cloud according to HIPAA regulatory requirements to ensure continued access to data in an emergency. Employee education, CCTV cameras, security personnel, and physical deterrents will ensure the facility’s physical and administrative security.
Access Safeguards
Access safeguards for this healthcare facility include effective password management and comprehensive authentication procedures. First, access to machinery and patient records will be granted only with a username and password. There will be stringent requirements to ensure password security, such as using a combination of upper case letters, numbers, and special characters. Second, a smart card or a key fob will be required in addition to passwords for certain procedures according to HIPAA regulations. A combination of multiple different authentication methods results in stronger security. For example, releasing a prescription of controlled substances will require smart card authentication. Finally, access to information will be granted only to individuals based on their role within the facility. Role-based access will be granted through passwords and multi-factor identification.
Network Safeguards
The network safeguards in this facility will involve cloud computing, firewalls, encryption, and specific rules regarding the use of mobile devices to deliver healthcare. Firstly, anti-virus software will be implemented as soon as possible and updated regularly to detect malicious software. Secondly, a trained specialist will install a hardware firewall to inspect all incoming messages. On-site technical support staff will continually configure, monitor, and maintain it. Thirdly, the network will be set up to operate in encrypted mode, with access permitted only to authorized staff members and their devices. Casual access by visitors and any file sharing and instant messaging services will be strictly prohibited. Fourthly, any mobile devices used to deliver healthcare will be configured with data encryption and strong authentication and access controls. It will be forbidden to transmit information on these devices across public networks or use them for purposes unrelated to healthcare. Network safeguards revolve around avoiding cyber threats and regulating the use of mobile devices.
Critique
The security plan outlined above has certain strengths and weaknesses. It satisfyingly targets the main security threats faced by a medium-sized healthcare facility. It conforms to HIPAA regulations and implements the needed policies and procedures to protect the physical facility and its network information properly. However, it does not address more nuanced issues that might unexpectedly arise. Firstly, there is no contingency plan based on an integrated security system that would lock all restricted areas and exit points in cases of emergency. Secondly, there is no plan to prevent data breaches from within the institution. Thirdly, there are no additional protections and protocols for protecting pharmaceuticals. The current plan omits elements such as lockdown procedures, dealing with insider threats, or protecting controlled substances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an effective security plan for a mid-sized healthcare facility involves physical, administrative, access, and network safeguards. Firstly, ongoing employee training will cultivate strong organizational respect for patient privacy. CCTV cameras will be monitored by 24/7 security personnel. Medical files will be placed in restricted areas under constant surveillance. Secondly, role-based access will be granted only through usernames, passwords, and other multi-factor identification methods. Thirdly, anti-virus software and hardware firewall will be configured and monitored by on-site technical support. The network and any mobile devices used for healthcare purposes will be data-encrypted with strong authentication controls. While this initial plan successfully tackles the most obvious security threats, additional elements will have to be developed for more nuanced issues.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Department of Health and Human Services.(2020). 2016-2017 HIPAA audits industry report.