 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|||
| Dear Providers, |
|
||
|
As many of you should now know, the New York State Department of Health recently posted a letter on their website detailing their requirements regarding the use of e-mail containing personally identifiable information in the New York State EIP. So that you as Early Intervention provider can continue to stay in compliance with these regulations, we have implemented the following procedures regarding the transmission of personally identifiable information sent via e-mail and overall protection of confidentiality of the children and families you/we service. We recommend that if you have not done so yet to read this letter and begin to follow these guidelines.
In summary to comply with DOH and IPRO audits, that many of you have already gone through, please make sure you continue using all four of the below listed privacy protections to remain in compliance. 1. Passwords: All providers should set up passwords on their home computers. How to Create and customize user accounts in Windows - Click on the link below http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/accounts.mspx#2 How to Create and customize user accounts for Macintosh - Click on the link below http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274 2. Screensavers: All providers should set up screen savers, on their home computers, for 30 seconds to protect sensitive information. How to Create and customize Screensaver in Windows: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/personalize/screensaver.mspx How to Create and customize Screensaver for Macintosh: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh2042.html 3. Fire Walls: All providers should set up a fire wall (i.e., the hardware and software) on their personal computers. How to Create and customize firewall using Windows: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/winfirewall.mspx How to Create and customize firewall using Macintosh: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1810 A hardware firewall is usually a small box that sits between a modem and your computer or network. The firewall will perform a "network address translation" (NAT), which hides your computer from the Internet. There are three basic types of hardware devices that include firewalls for home users: Wired Routers, Wireless Routers, and Broadband Gateways. They are inexpensive enough to be used with one computer or can also be used to create a home computer network. Hardware Firewalls recommended: Netgear, D-Link or Linksys.
4. Encryption: Encryption is used to prevent unauthorized users from gaining to access to any documents that are sent between you and another party. City Pro Group, Inc is using, for all outgoing e-mail, the private software package offered by LuxSci (www.luxsci.com). Your password, to be able to view these files, is available when you log into our website: www.findcase.com. For providers who work outside of CPG, and who need to send documents with confidential information, it is required that you use Hushmail, a free web-based email encryption service (www.hushmail.com) to ensure the security, privacy and authenticity of your email. If you wish to use a different email encryption program or have questions about setting up your Hushmail account, please contact our IT department.We
appreciate your continued adherence to these rules and regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact Michael Markakis, our
director of operations. |
|||