June 21, 2018
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Memorandum in an effort to clarify their stance and guidelines on texting between healthcare providers and staff.
Texting Patient Orders is Not Permitted.
CMS does not permit health care providers to text patient orders to a care team member on any platform. Therefore, texting patient orders from a health care provider is not in compliance with the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) or Conditions for Coverage (CfCs).
Texting Patient Information on Secure Platforms.
Patient information that is sent via text messages is permissible if accomplished through a secure platform only. However, Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) is the preferred method of order entry. CMS holds to the long-standing practice that a physician should enter patient orders into the medical record via a hand written order or CPOE.
Compliance Plans.
Furthermore, in order to be compliant, all healthcare providers must utilize and maintain platforms that are secure, encrypted, and minimize the risks to patient privacy. It is expected that providers/organizations will implement procedures that routinely assess the security and integrity of the texting platforms that are being utilized. This is to ensure patient confidentiality and to avoid negative outcomes that could compromise the overall care of patients.
Using secure texting platforms, has the potential for healthcare organizations to streamline contact and improve patient outcomes. Click here to visit our website and read the CMS Memorandum in full.
Contact a Health Law Attorney Experienced in Defending HIPAA Complaints and Violations.
The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other health care providers and institutions in investigating and defending alleged HIPAA complaints and violations and in preparing Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
For more information about HIPAA violations, electronic health records or corrective action plans (CAPs) please visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com or call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001. Be sure to check The Health Law Firm Blog for regular updates.
Source: Center for Clinical Standards and Quality/Survey & Certification Group . “Texting of Patient Information among Healthcare Providers.” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). (December 28, 2017). Web.
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
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