In 1860, American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly stated, “The first wealth is health.” Today, healthcare providers embody this philosophy by investing in the well-being of the nation. However, amidst their countless responsibilities, safeguarding patients’ private information remains paramount. To uphold compliance with state and federal healthcare privacy laws, healthcare providers seek support from professional shredding companies that specialize in secure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) destruction. The key is finding a shredding company that is not only professional and reliable but also fully compliant.
As a healthcare provider, the responsibility of protecting patients’ information begins at its inception and extends throughout its lifecycle until proper disposal. When it’s time to discard sensitive information, entrusting it to a reputable shredding company becomes crucial. What should healthcare providers look for in a shredding company to ensure the utmost protection?
1. Shredding Collection Containers
A professional shredding company understands the sensitivity of discarded health information. Look for a company that provides secure shredding collection containers. These containers should be securely locked, ensuring that confidential information is protected until retrieved by authorized personnel for shredding.
2. Chain of Custody
Beyond providing collection containers, the shredding company must maintain a secure chain of custody. This ensures that documents are kept safe and are shredded according to legal standards. Upon completion of the shredding process, a reputable company should furnish a Certificate of Destruction as official proof that the healthcare provider’s information has been securely and thoroughly destroyed.
3. Professional and Trained Staff
The staff handling sensitive information should undergo thorough background checks before employment. Additionally, they must receive comprehensive training in both the shredding industry and relevant privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that focuses on three rules: Privacy, Security and Breach Notification. Regular training updates are essential to keep staff current with compliance requirements.
4. NAID AAA Certification
For added assurance, healthcare providers should choose a shredding company that is NAID AAA Certified. This certification designates the company as a verified secure data destruction provider, compliant with all relevant data protection laws. Regular audits by accredited security professionals confirm the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
5. Environmental Consciousness
Healthcare providers, who dedicate themselves to the health and welfare of their patients, should also consider the environmental impact of their operations. Opt for a shredding company with a green focus that includes recycling shredded paper. This eco-friendly approach contributes to protecting drinking water, minimizing greenhouse gases, conserving electricity, preserving trees, reducing landfill, curbing oil consumption, and safeguarding the overall environment—a holistic perspective aligned with the principles of healthcare.
CI Information Management, based in Kennewick, Washington, exemplifies these qualities, offering secure shredding services for healthcare providers. As a NAID AAA Certified company, CI-Information Management provides shredding collection containers, ensuring secure disposal, and issues Certificates of Destruction upon completion of the job. For healthcare facilities seeking secure and compliant document destruction, call us at 509-586-6090 or complete the form on this page.
