Code+of+Ethics

It is difficult to believe that about thirty years ago there was no use of personal cell phones or computers. If you look around today, most households have at least one computer. Emerging and existing technology have not only affected individual lives, but almost every other aspect of life. When asked does emerging technology have an impact on the issues of confidentiality and privacy of individual’s records and protected health information and following the ASHA Code of Ethics, there is no doubt that technology has a significant impact.  In regards to the ASHA Code of Ethics, there are two rules in particular that could be affected by technology. The first rule states, “individuals shall adequately maintain and appropriately secure records of professional services rendered, research and scholarly activities conducted, and products dispensed, and they shall allow access to these records only when authorized or when required by law.” The second, “individuals shall not reveal, without authorization, any professional or personal information about identified persons served professionally or identified participants involved in research and scholarly activities unless doing so is necessary to protect the welfare of the person or of the community or is otherwise required by law.” Both of these rules under Principle 1 of the ASHA Code of Ethics, and could be affected by technology.  The use of computers in the medical field is becoming very popular. This affects speech language pathologist because some work within the medical field and use computers to store client files. Others that have a private practice may decide to use computers to store medical information. Computers create a very organized file space that is easy to use and access, without taking up lots of space and paper. The problem with technology and file keeping on computers is how easy it may be to gain access from outside individuals. There are internet hackers that know how to gain access to most anything, no matter how safe-guarded it may be. Once information is on the internet, it is impossible to ever erase it. Although there may be programs with protection for this, with internet access hooked up to a computer it still makes the files accessible to those who know how to get beyond the safety nets of program.  There is another issue that arises with the use of computers and file keeping for clinicians. It is possible for people who are not authorized to be on a clinician’s computer to be unsupervised and gain information they may want. When using a computer to keep information stored, it is important to always log off or exit the program in use. This would be one approach clinicians could take to keep confidentiality when using computers.  A second factor when referring to computers and internet is how insurance companies are completely computer and internet file based. Clinicians have to communicate with insurance companies and although clinicians may not use store files on the computer, they will have to share information when it comes to working with the insurance company. Again, this becomes an issue because for those who are knowledgeable enough, the information holds the potential to become compromised.  When it comes to the use of computers for internet for clinicians and insurance companies it may be simpler to store immense amounts of information. It also becomes more accessible to those that may not be granted access to personal information that clinicians are bound to not share. Although there are only so many measures that can be taken to protect the privacy of clients, it is still an obligation of the clinicians under the ASHA Code of Ethics to uphold the privacy of their clients.  For clinicians when it comes to using a computer and storing client information, it is imperative that they make sure that the information is kept confidential at all times. This may mean investing in a program that has great safety features to protect information from hackers. Also to make sure that passwords are used to access information on the computer used, so that others using the computer cannot access the program in which the files are stored. When working with insurance companies clinicians should review their privacy policy when it comes to storing client information.  Although technology creates an ease for the everyday life, it also creates an ease for the professions that have lots of paperwork to keep up with. Computers create a condensed way to store lots of information and keep it organized. There are many downsides that come with the ease of using computers, not only does a clinician have to worry about losing the information stored, but also keeping the information from becoming compromised. It is important for the clinician to be aware of the safety features for the programs they use and review the privacy policies the insurance companies to make sure it is in compliance with their policies.  When it comes to the two rules stated above, a clinician has to make sure to not voluntarily or involuntarily reveal the information of those clients in which they work with. The use of computers makes the information accessible to those who may not be allowed access. In this case the information would be given up involuntarily, but regardless it is still a job of the clinician to protect private information. Following the ASHA Code of Ethics is a major part of the profession as a speech language pathologist, it is important for a clinician to assess how using technology can impact the privacy of clients. As a clinician the decision to work with computers should be a decision that is carefully considered. 