Accessing patient chart off duty

[MissxPriss]

So I believe I can access the charting system from my job anywhere (it's a web address), though have not actually tried it. I was wondering if it was legal to actually access the charting information to view care plans and kardexs on your patients while not at work, or not that I've ever left work without charting but say you forgot to make a note and remember once you get home- could you do so legally without violating hippa? Or is that a big no no all the way around? I use to do house keeping for a PCP who always charted and did chart notes from home. I was wondering if this was different for RNs? LPNs? Cnas? Etc...

Thank you in advance for all input.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Not a good idea and likely it's an intranet not Internet address that requires a security key installed on the device/computer to maintain data security of the EMR per HIPAA. While it may look like a web address it's likely not

You should not be entering information when not at work on the clock. Period.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

That could cost you your job. No, you can not access patient charts while off duty. Yes, it leaves a footprint that is easily trackable. And most all charting systems have firewalls set up so that one can not randomly get into their record system. Unless one hacks into it. And that is illegal.

[RockSolid]

First, you should only access the system remotely if there is a reason to do so for your job. Otherwise, don't. Full stop. But IF there is a bona fide reason for you to do so, THEN talk with your supervisor and ask how you should access the system. (Of course, you should NEVER view patient records just out of curiosity or boredom!!) Your supervisor would most likely get IT involved.

If your employer has a decent IT setup, then there will be numerous layers of security, for example, a VPN (virtual private network), two factor identification, etc., that will prevent you from getting to the system by just typing the URL in your browser. It might also only be accessible via a secure intra-net. So, from a technical perspective it may or may not be possible to have remote access.

My employer has many levels of security, and my supervisor had to request that remote access be set up for me. They limit who has remote access and most people do not. Although I can access anything on the system, I am still very careful to only access records or information that is necessary for my job. If you are allowed remote access then always imagine that your supervisor, or the DON, is looking over your shoulder!

Bottom line - different employers have different policies, and they all should be governed by HIPAA. If there's a job related reason then talk with your supervisor. Otherwise, don't even attempt to get in remotely.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

No note is worth your job or the legal ramifications of a HIPAA vio. Make a late entry next time you're at work if you must.

Yes, I know MDs and NPs sometimes access charts from home when on call (I used to work in a SNF with providers offsite after hours). The differences are 1) they truly have to to do their job, 3) on call is a job duty -- they are not accessing charts on their time off, and 3) they likely have security protections in place on their work device that we don't have on our personal device.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I worked at a facility that ENCOURAGED us to chart from home. They knew we were understaffed and just wanted us off the clock.

Why would you want to work for free and risk a HIPPA violation?