More and more, health care providers are employing laptops, tablets, smartphones and other portable electronic devices in their work. And more and more, laptops and other portable electronic devices are involved in breaches of patient data. According to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) website, 265 (or 39%) of the 674 total data breaches affecting 500 or more individuals reported to date involve either laptops or other portable electronic devices.

In order to better protect the patient information on these devices, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a Mobile Device Roundtable last year and solicited public comments to gather tips and information HHS considers “would be most useful to health care providers and professionals using mobile devices in their work.” These HHS tips, information and videos may help you protect and secure health information patients entrust to you when using mobile devices. Review these tips and make sure you fully analyze these devices and their movement as part of your risk analysis and risk management plans.