Access Control Systems Meet Security Challenges of the Healthcare System

Healthcare facilities have many security challenges to overcome, both in providing physical security for patients and staff,and also in protecting sensitive patient data in line with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules. These sensitive areas of a hospital’s security can be protected with access control solutions. What are some of the security challenges healthcare facilities face? How can access control systems help hospitals to overcome these issues?

As the access control solutions company HID noted, healthcare facilities can achieve “streamlined operations when they combine multiple applications onto a single high frequency contactless smart card,” thus “eliminating the need for hospital employees to carry separate cards for various applications (opening doors, accessing computers and integrated cabinet/drawer locks, cafeteria POS, and secure-print-management systems.)”

These smart card credentials are also more difficult to counterfeit because of their encrypted security and can save costs by hospitals issuing just one smart credential per person, Security Sales & Integration noted. Even smartphones are being equipped with smart credential applications so that staff can easily use their mobile phones as their all-in-one smart credential.

For the highly-sensitive and restricted areas of a healthcare facility such laboratories, records offices, or biohazard areas, Security Sales & Integration noted that biometric access control technologies are often used to deliver the highest level of security to these areas. With these biometric access controls, credentials can’t be lost or stolen.

Biometrics and smart card credentials are very important to protecting patient records in a healthcare system. Healthcare companies could possibly face HIPAA fines and liability claims if health records are accessed by the wrong people. Thus, a sophisticated access control system is vital for hospitals to restrict access to both the electronic and paper records of patients.

As Security Sales & Integration noted, there are other areas of a healthcare facility that are usually overlooked but also need protected by access control.

“For instance, a hospital’s shipping and receiving dock is one of the most vulnerable areas when it comes to security and access control. . . Linen storage rooms do not typically see high traffic. However, allowing only the people who should to have access to these areas is very important as linen chutes and other hazmat receptacles pose a risk for transfer of infectious materials,” Security Sales & Integration wrote.

With the recent Ebola outbreak situations in healthcare facilities, the need for access control solutions becomes ever more important.

Mac Systems in Oklahoma City and Tulsa can design and install a complete access control and security system for your healthcare facility. We provide a variety of different access control solutions including biometric readers, emergency lockdown, multi-level access, and more.