Convenient as They May Be, Personal Cell Phones Are Problematic for Team Communications

It’s so simple that it may be impossible to resist: A PA has a follow-up question for a physician regarding Patient A right after the physician heads for her car; he shoots her a text so he can move on to the next patient. But hold on—is it a HIPAA violation if he uses his personal device? What about using cell phones or tablets to order office supplies—does that put company resources at risk? While many urgent care operators have policies that require employees to conduct company business only on company equipment and through company networks, it’s unlikely those rules are followed or enforced rigorously. Operators and employees alike may want to note that Bloomberg reports JPMorgan Chase (known as a standard-setter in its industry, as Bloomberg points out) may be making an effort to see how common the practice really is, with an eye toward reining those who violate such policies. The company just instructed many of its employees to go through their messaging histories and save business-related texts they’ve sent or received on their personal equipment. That includes traders and financial advisors, whose history of messages to colleagues and clients may go back years. Especially with some urgent care office functions still being carried out remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this may be a good time to take stock of your collective messaging habits. And if you’re putting your patients’ confidentiality or your own financials at risk, consider tightening things up before there’s a breach.