title: American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric Practice Action Group and Task Force on Medical Informatics. Privacy protection and health information: patient rights and pediatrician responsibilities.
abstract: Pediatricians and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists should know their legal responsibilities to protect the privacy of identifiable patient health information. Although paper and electronic medical records have the same privacy standards, health data that are stored or transmitted electronically are vulnerable to unique security breaches. This statement describes the privacy and confidentiality needs and rights of pediatric patients and suggests appropriate security strategies to deter unauthorized access and inappropriate use of patient data. Limitations to physician liability are discussed for transferred data. Any new standards for patient privacy and confidentiality must balance the health needs of the community and the rights of the patient without compromising the ability of pediatricians to provide quality care.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chilton
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Melinkovich
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Rappo
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stoddard
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vanchiere
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lustig
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Gotlieb
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Deutsch
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gerstle
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lieberthal
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shiffman
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Spooner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stern
mesh_terms: D016494:Computer Security; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards*; D012042:Registries; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014481:United States