Electronic Health Records in an Occupational Health Setting—Part I. A Global Overview

Abstract

Most health care settings have focused on becoming more interconnected using technology. The same trend is occurring in occupational health settings. Using technology to enhance communications, facilitate workers' health, and measure the quality of occupational health services is advantageous to employers. The privacy and security of health information is as much the company's responsibility as protecting financial and personal data. As the health privacy agent for the employer, the occupational health nurse must have knowledge of legal regulations and professional standards that govern the security and privacy of health care information, especially when that information is collected, stored, and potentially transmitted within and outside country boundaries.