Privacy and Security for Electronic Health Records Article

Sharpe, V. A. (2005). Privacy and security for electronic health records. Hastings Center Report, 35 (6), 49.

In 2005, the senate proposed legislation to develop a nation-wide health information technology system. The goal is to share health information across organizational boundaries to more efficiently care for individuals. This will be accomplished with the electronic transfer of health information.

There are many benefits to using this type of system. However, hackers can access unsecured medical records and steal identities. Also, electronic records can be used by third parties to market health products or even screen for employment or insurance risks.

This article was brief, but demonstrated the risks of using electronic health information delivery systems clearly.

G.W.