How Door Hardware Helps Hospitals Meet HIPAA Guidelines

Being compliant could come down to whether or not a door closes and locks properly.

Published: April 30, 2012Author: CS Staff

<p>Gunnison Health Care Center, a 100-employee healthcare facility in Gunnison, Col., uses both Schlage hardwired and wireless networked access control devices with proximity credentials to limit access and protect security-sensitive areas throughout the facility.</p>

Proactively monitoring, testing and updating a facility’s hardware, policies and procedures goes a long way in maintaining HIPAA compliance. Security and compliance is the responsibility of every staff member authorized to access these records. Staff should be expected to identify hardware failures such as doors that do not close or locks that are not working and initiate repair.

It’s important that employees understand HIPAA regulations. Periodic training will make the staff aware of what is proper and allowable. They will be able to spot violations of the regulations, knowing what to look for and how to report violations.

Ensuring HIPAA compliance is a complex and continuous process requiring the participation of every staff member. Fully functional doors and locking systems are an important aspect of this effort.

Matt Conrad is the director of global innovation and customer experience for Ingersoll Rand’s healthcare practice.

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