Support - Hot Topics

Software updates, Operating System security issues, and Business Agreements related to HIPAA

Software updates - For our customers who are on support contracts and at version 4.50.00 or above, Fletcher Flora will provide software updates in advance of the Security portion of the HIPAA regulations that go into effect in April 2005. These updates will be given with enough advance notice to insure our customers can be in compliance by the currently published deadline and will address the main issues of data security and audit tracking of Patient Protected Information.

Operating System secturity issues - It is important to understand that the security issues related to the HIPAA regulations not only affect the LabPak® software, which Fletcher Flora will update appropriately, but also the Operating System your computers use. Although not clearly stated by HIPAA, Windows Operating Systems prior to Windows 2000, such as, Windows 95 and Windows 98, generally will not stand up to the security requirements to protect Patient Information. If the access to the Laboratory Information System can be secured in total (typically in an area that is secure like a locked room) then there is a good argument that the Patient Information is secure. However, if limited access cannot be guaranteed, then the security of the Operating System will become the predominant security vehicle to protect information. As you may have read or seen on TV, Windows Operating System versions prior to Windows 2000 do not provide adequate security through passwords to meet the intent of the regulations. It would be best for our customers with Windows 95 or Windows 98 to update their Operating System to one that provides a more secure environment. We strongly recommend that you have the Operating System on your computers updated to ensure compliance with the HIPAA regulations. Fletcher Flora stands ready to help our customers make that decision. The version of your Operating System is not covered by Fletcher Flora’s Support Contracts, and although we will be happy to provide suggestions on having your Operating System upgraded, the costs associated with upgrading your Operating System are your responsibility.

Business Agreements - Fletcher Flora implemented policies and procedures as a vendor to protect Protected Patient Information and the Business Agreement requirements of HIPAA over a year ago. Each of our customers are required by HIPAA to have a Business Agreement in effect with any vendor who may have access to Protected Patient Information. This Business Agreement in general stipulates that the Vendor (Fletcher-Flora, Inc. in this case) will protect any Patient information it has access to, within the guidelines of HIPAA. If you have not already completed your Business Agreement with Fletcher Flora, Inc., please contact my executive assistant, Pat Wasserburger, at 1-800-777-1471 or by e-mail at patw@labpak.com, and she will provide a signed copy for you. In addition you should assure that any vendor that has access to Protected Patient Information, has a Business Agreement with you so that you will be in compliance with the HIPAA standards.