Unauthorised access to medical records: just don’t do it

An increasing number of hospital and health services are collating, storing and utilising medical and nursing records in electronic databases. These databases are usually protected with individualised passwords which can be monitored and checked to preserve patients’ privacy and ensure that confidential medical information is accessed on a ‘need to know’ basis. Like any system, nothing is fool proof or guaranteed. Unauthorised access, whether for personal gain or just idle curiosity is no excuse. A recent nurse’s disciplinary tribunal hearing is an example for all nurses to heed.

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