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To Text or Not to Text -- That is the Question
Sending text messages has become a common method of communication among teenagers, adults, and medical professionals. While quicker and easier than creating an encrypted e-mail, CAP's Risk Management & Patient Safety Department agrees with the Joint Commission's recent opinion on this topic (the Joint Commission accredits and certifies over 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States).
On November 10, 2011 the Joint Commission offered this guidance for physicians and others licensed to write orders:
"It is not acceptable for physicians or licensed independent practitioners to text orders for patients to the hospital or other healthcare setting. This method provides no ability to verify the identity of the person sending the text and there is no way to keep the original message as validation of what is entered into the medical record."
- published in the Daily Update
In addition, since text messages are not encrypted, those sending texts containing protected health information (PHI) run the risk of violating the privacy and security provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Physician-patient texting is also strongly discouraged. Making a message fit the limitations of a text may cause critical information or options to be eliminated. A telephone discussion about the matter would be a less risky approach.
Authored by
Waldene K. Drake, RN, MBA
Vice President, Risk Management & Patient Safety
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Published comments of this information should not be considered legal advice applicable to a specific situation. Legal guidance for individual matters should be obtained from a retained attorney. |
