Shhh... keep it private

Every CIO knows about privacy and the importance of keeping data private. Now even Congress is looking for a way to develop e-health records and make sure they are protected. It's not a moment too soon. Legislation moving through Congress would require increasing use of information technology for health records. It would cut costs. It would be a good way to make sure documents don't get lost. And it would make it possible to send documents electronically for different medical advice. The problem, according to one top privacy expert, is that the legislation must include privacy language to protect people from getting their data stolen. Sen. Patrick Leahy is working on an amendment to require companies to notify people if the material has been stolen. This is an issue that CIOs know plenty about. But it also may be an issue that requires ironclad protection because notifying a person after information is stolen is a bit late.

For more about privacy and healthcare records:
- Read this CIO Magazine article