Title: Use of Hospital Electronic Communication Systems and Computer Hardware and Software

MENDOCINO COAST DISTRICT HOSPITAL

HUMAN RESOURCES POLICY AND PROCEDURE STATEMENT

NUMBER: 130.1525

PAGE: 1 OF 2

TITLE: USE OF HOSPITAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

PURPOSE:To define the Hospital’s policy and practice regarding use of hospital electronic communication systems and computer hardware and software.

POLICY: Hospital equipment, including computer hardware, software, and electronic communication systems are property of the Hospital. They are to be used for hospital business only and not for personal purposes. Employees should not expect information left on or stored in the computers to be private. Material intended to be confidential and of a personal nature should not be put on or transmitted to any hospital owned electronic system. The Hospital reserves the right to access your computer and files for business needs at any time, especially in the event of your absence.

The Hospital prohibits installation of personally owned computer hardware or software without prior review and approval by the Clinical Information Services Director. The review will allow the Hospital to ensure that no pirated software or viruses are introduced into the Hospital computer network, and ensure that software is not used in a manner contrary to the provisions of this policy.

The Hospital requires all employees to exercise appropriate discretion in using its electronic voice mail and systems. Electronic communications systems may not be used to send jokes or other comments that may be discriminatory, harassing, offensive, or disruptive; or send material that defames or disparages an individual, company, or business; or discloses personal or patient information without authorization. Furthermore, and voice mail will not be used as a bulletin board for personal service nor for soliciting or selling goods and services. Also, personal messages to large groups via voice mail or are not an appropriate use of electronic communication.

Electronic communication over hospital systems including voice mail and are not private modes of communications and may be read by other employees and manages of the Hospital in the following circumstances:

-Regular system maintenance

-When a business need exists to access or share the employee or voice mail

-In response to legal requests for disclosure for law enforcement or court order

-When the Hospital has reason to believe an employee is using E-mail or voice mail in violation of hospital policy

-Periodic, unannounced inspection by the Hospital for business purposes

Use of the Internet via hospital computers, modems or phone lines is prohibited unless directly related to carrying out the employee’s job duties, or for official hospital business. Use of the Internet for social communication, private business, games, or transmission of personal materials is strictly prohibited. Installation of Internet software in personal computers is also prohibited, unless specifically designated by the Hospital.

Attachments:

New:03/95Revised: 05/06, 02/09

Approval Signatures:

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Chief, Human ResourcesDate

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Chief Executive OfficerDate

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President, Board of DirectorsDate