ONC and HHS Privacy and Security Mobile Device Project

The current Federal Health Information Technology Strategic Plan outlines the nation’s strategy for the health IT agenda which is improving the quality, efficiency, safety and patient-centeredness of health care. A goal of the plan is to “inspire confidence and trust in health IT and electronic health information exchange by protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information.” To that end, a privacy and security mobile device project was established by the ONC’s Office of the Chief Privacy Officer (OCPO) and the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The project will build on the existing HIPAA Security Rule’s Guidance for Remote Use of and Access to Electronic Protected Health Information. It will also identify best practices for privacy and security when using mobile devices.

The OCPO and the OCR are currently soliciting the public for comments and best practices in protecting and securing health information with mobile devices. The comment period will be open until March 30th. The submitted input will be reviewed for development of the best practices. Along with comments the ONC is holding a three part panel discussion Roundtable open to the public. The three panels will be:

• Panel 1 — Setting the Federal Stage: Current Regulatory Framework, Guidance, Standards, & Toolkits for Providers and Other Health Care Delivery Professionals Using Mobile Devices
• Panel 2 — Real World Usages of Mobile Devices by Providers and Other Health Care Delivery Professionals
• Panel 3 — Real World Mobile Devices Privacy & Security Practices, Strategies and Technologies

The Roundtable will be an interactive discussion between the moderators, panelists, and audience participation. Questions will be accepted in person, through email, and via Twitter. Attendance in-person or webcast is available but registration is required.

Mobile Devices Roundtable: Safeguarding Health Information
Real World Usages and Real World Privacy & Security Practices
Friday, March 16, 2012
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT