We are working with our nursing partners to optimize the process for concealing PHI on labels when used medications are discarded. Beyond redacting this information with a black security marker, have any institutions implemented other measures, such as privacy stickers, stamps, or self-shred / perforated labels? If so, what are you using, and how is it working?

Thank you,
Heather Erwin
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, MO

Question: How have hospitals worked around possible HIPAA violation issues when using the Patient ID function on smart pumps?

Background: We recently pursued a path to require RNs to enter the MR# in the Patient ID on our smart pumps (Alaris), but were stopped due to a concern over a possible HIPAA violation should a smart pump "go missing" (leave the hospital).

Other facilities who have interoperability (bidirectional communication between eMAR and the smart pump) would theoretically have the same issue.

Our pharmacy technicians are finding empty plastic bags from medications with patient name and other identifiers in the trash. What are nurses at your institution doing to keep this information confidential? Black out name with sharpie or label? Other?