Here’s what you should know:
1. Effective Dec. 28, 2017, CMS updated its rules governing texting among healthcare providers.
2. Texting patient information to another member of a healthcare team is allowed if the exchange takes place on a secure platform.
3. Texting of patient orders is prohibited in all instances.
4. Concerning patient orders, CMS prefers physicians use computerized provider order entry over other methods.
According to a statement, “CMS recognizes the use of texting as a means of communication with other members of the healthcare team has become an essential and valuable means of communication among team members. In order to be compliant … all providers must utilize and maintain systems/platforms that are secure, encrypted, and minimize the risks to patient privacy and confidentiality as per HIPAA regulations.”
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