Privacy of The Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System

The Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System's Privacy

Privacy is another major issues connected to the electronic medical record systems, such as the use of medical database, and the adequacy of current privacy protection law. This section will analyse impacts of the lack of privacy measures in the EHRs or Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System, such as discrimination and damage to reputation. Recommendation for protection of Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System privacy will also discussed.

Discrimination for Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System

Discrimination by employers and insurers is a major concern. In 2000, a survey showed that more than 200 cases in which individuals with a genetic predisposition to certain diseases reported a range of discriminatory actions made by insurance companies, employers, and other on the basis of genetic information.

Damage to Reputation of Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System

Release of patient's personal and sensitive information, such as mental health problems, HIV-positive status, a history of substance abuse, and existence of debilitating illness, can have a devastating impact on an individual's reputation, affecting all aspects of his or her life. In addition, medical records may be used to persecute patients, by allowing the perpetration of malicious pranks, fraud, or other unlawful activity.

Protecting Patient Privacy for Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System

In order to protect patient's privacy, a number of policies as discussed below should be applied in the Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System organization.

• Patients should be advised as to who has access to their Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System and the level of access permitted should be specifically identified.
• Patients should be able to specify what information should not be disseminated via Electronic Medical Record Systems EHR System. Patients, however, will not have total control over their records. For example, public health and law enforcement may obtain patient's information without consent through means prescribed by law.
• Stringent security procedures should be in place to prevent unauthorized access to computer-based patient records and confidential data should be encrypted whenever patient information is transmitted electronically from on location to another.