HIPAA News

Top Reasons Prox Card Technology Can Improve Hospital Security

(April 24, 2007)--Hospitals worldwide are implementing new access control systems to improve security and identity individuals seeking access to sensitive information. iKey, Inc., a premier manufacturer of sealed rugged keyboards, has partnered with RF IDeas, a premier manufacturer of Radio Frequency (RF) Identification Card technology solutions. Hospitals can now use Prox Keyboards to alleviate information security issues and track user activity.

Radio Frequency (RF) Prox Card technology is a new feature integrated in SlimKey - MD Keyboards. Prox Keyboards require users to log into a computer terminal using a security badge. The new technology helps Hospitals protect information stored and released via networks, Intranets and Internet, eliminating the ambiguity of which nurse/doctor owns a terminal for HIPAA audit purposes. This robust solution offers both healthcare professionals and patients a complete Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Reasons for using iKey's Prox Card technology in a hospital:

HIPAA Compliant -- Hospitals are required to meet regulations and patient privacy requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The inherent high security technology employed in Prox Keyboards ensures Hospitals' information security needs are met and prevents unwanted intrusions. The technology also complies with international standards (ISO/IEC 14443 15693) for RF Identification cards.

Cost Effective -- Most Hospitals require RF Security Cards to access buildings and secure areas. Hospitals can now expand the use of current RF Security Cards to access Prox Keyboards and track user activity and sensitive materials.

Controls Risk of Cross-Contaminants -- Healthcare environments are under the constant threat of spreading MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant organisms, resulting in the need for the ability to disinfect keyboards. RF Scanners are built into Prox Keyboards, thus maintaining a tight seal and allowing keyboards to be cleaned using any hospital disinfectant.

"RF IDeas' pcProx and AIR ID readers utilize existing employee ID badges as part of the logon process for HIPAA compliance," says Rick Landuyt, RF IDeas President. "Our partnership with iKey maintains all the functionality, without adding a separate USB device to desktops and takes advantage of the waterproof keyboard."

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