Security: a new clinical engineering paradigm

Since the tragic events of 9/11, security has become a universal concern. Clinical engineers are encouraged to get up to speed and recognize the benefit an effective security process can bring to medical technology management. The security paradigm appropriately focuses on insuring the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of information maintained and transmitted by medical devices rather than on the management of discrete devices. It is worthwhile noting that this process will soon be required for US healthcare providers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established a Security Rule (part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act´s Administrative Provisions), which will require the adoption of such a security process by 21 April 2005.