Protecting patients' privacy. Health information networks raise new questions

Privacy is established as both a value and a right in our society, and as healthcare moves to improve quality and efficiency through the development of health information networks, which allow the electronic exchange of financial and clinical information, there will be a growing awareness of the necessity to protect patient privacy and confidentiality in these environments. Dealing with these concerns will require that healthcare providers take steps to ensure the security of patient information through technological and physical measures, programs of orientation and education, and the careful development and implementation of clear policies and procedures.