PHI And Portable Devices

Protect patient privacy and data security by not storing PHI or other sensitive data (financial, personnel, research) on portable devices like laptop computers or PDAs.  If you must save PHI or sensitive data directly/locally on these devices, always password protect them and encrypt the files so unauthorized individuals can not access the data if the devices are stolen or lost.  Contact the IS Department once you realize the device is lost/stolen.  Also, make sure the devices are kept on your possession at all times or stored in a secure location (file cabinet, drawer) when not being used.  Contact Chicago Biomedicine Information Services (CBIS) at (773)702-3456 for assistance with encryption solutions or visit the HPO website at http://hipaa.bsd.uchicago.edu for additional information.