The paper-less health care practice has been predicted for many decades, but paper remains. Careful handling of patient-based information is as essential as good computer security. Paper records containing protected health information (PHI) must be protected appropriately to meet the HIPAA privacy regulations.

One reason that paper-less offices have not appeared is that it is so easy to generate paper. Photocopiers and computer printers are now cheap and plentiful. Almost everyone has one. And those that do must take responsibility for the copies they generate.

Sensitive information should not be sent to remote printers or photocopiers where access is uncontrolled and the sender is not present to keep track of the output.

For non-sensitive information, appropriate disposal can be any wastebasket or recycle container. For sensitive information, shredding or burning is appropriate.

Last modified: 12-May-2005 [RC]