title: Identity security awareness.
abstract: Identity theft is an increasing concern when organizations, businesses, and even childbirth educators ask for a client's Social Security number for identification purposes. In this column, the author suggests ways to protect one's identity and, more importantly, decrease the opportunities for identity theft.
authors.affiliation: N ayna P hilipsen is Director of Education, Examination, Research, and Communication for the Maryland Board of Nursing. She is also a health educator at St. Agnes HealthCare in Baltimore, Maryland, and a Certified Fraud Examiner.
authors.forename: Nayna C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Philipsen