How do you destroy electronic medical records?
For electronic records, there are a few different methods of destruction: Overwrite old files. Degauss or expose the media to a magnetic field. Destroyed by disintegration, pulverization, melting, incinerating or shredding.
What does record disposal mean?
It normally means destruction of the record content, such as by recycling or burning the record medium. The term is also used occasionally to mean the transfer of temporary records from Federal control by donating them to an eligible person or organization after receiving NARAs approval.
What should you do before disposing of a record?
Shred confidential records such as research data, student folders, personnel records, and financial records that have account numbers listed. Recycle records that are not confidential and do not contain personal/financial identifying information. Delete electronic records that are not archival.
Can you destroy your medical records?
PHI in paper records may be shredded, burned, pulped, or pulverized so the PHI is unreadable, indecipherable, and may not be reconstructed.
Can medical records be destroyed after scanning?
If scanned appropriately, the electronic record can legally take the place of the paper record, and the paper record can be destroyed once it is scanned. Like all records, scanned records must be accessible, retrievable, and readable for the full retention period attached to the records.
What are two ways in which medical records should be disposed of?
In general, examples of proper disposal methods may include, but are not limited to: For PHI in paper records, shredding, burning, pulping, or pulverizing the records so that PHI is rendered essentially unreadable, indecipherable, and otherwise cannot be reconstructed.
What are the approved methods to destroy physical records with PII?
Two acceptable methods for disposing of paper records containing PII are using a cross-cut shredder or placing the paper(s) in a burn bag. Do not use a recycle bin to dispose of paper records containing personal information / PII.
How do you destruct protected health information?
Remember, HIPAA does mandate that unused media containing PHI be adequately destroyed, and not simply left behind or disposed of in a public receptacle. Examples of destroying hard copy include, but are not limited to, burning, shredding, or pulverizing.
What are approved methods to destroy physical records?
Two acceptable methods for disposing of paper records containing PII are using a cross-cut shredder or placing the paper(s) in a burn bag. Do not use a recycle bin to dispose of paper records containing personal information / PII.
Why is it important to dispose of records?
Reduce maintenance and storage costs. Demonstrate accountability and consistency in implementing destruction decisions. Improve the efficiency of paper and electronic records systems by removing unwanted records. Reduce the risk that sensitive or personal information will fall into the wrong hands.
