by Tim Bredrup
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is seeking public comments on privacy and security issues and best practices related to the use of mobile devices in healthcare settings. The ONC has opened a public comment period until March 30, after which it is expected to convene a mobile devices roundtable. The comments will be focused on three categories:
- Real-world uses of mobile devices by providers and other healthcare delivery professionals
- Real-world privacy and security practices, strategies and technology
- Any other comment on the use of mobile devices by providers and other healthcare delivery professionals
“For the purpose of this request for public input, a mobile device is a handheld transmitting device with multi-functional capabilities used to store, transmit and receive health information and has user control over the access to the health information,” the ONC wrote. “Mobile devices combine elements of computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networking functions. This generally includes laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA), smartphones and tablet computers. Mobile transmitting devices generally do not include storage devices such as USB drives.”
