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DOOR HARDWARE
Simple Access Control Solutions for Ambulatory and Long-Term Care Facilities Traffic, services, assets and location are but a few of the factors that go into determining a health care facility’s uniqueness and, subsequently, its security needs. Whether a security system is being designed for a 1,000 bed hospital or an ambulatory care center, a level of access control is required to assure that employees, visitors and patients are protected when at the facility. 
By using access
control software on high priority openings, ambulatory and
long-term
care facilities will increase the control, security and efficiency of the entire facility.
Today, it is possible
to affordably increase the level of protection of any facility
while, at the same time, assuring an acceptable freedom of
movement among staff and patients. Health care facilities large
and small can now have systems that are visible, secure,
effective and easy to use.
Security Design Case studies on ambulatory and long-term health care centers have shown that facilities that implement an access control system – in addition to offline/standalone locks and key-based systems – have not only increased the security in the facility but have also made management of openings and credentials more efficient. Other benefits include an increased sense of security and more efficient movement through the environment for both patients and staff. Facilities which seek an access control system but are concerned about cost should keep in mind that not every opening and access point in the facility needs to be included on the networked system. Facilities should start by prioritizing which openings need to be protected with access control – starting with the perimeter and security sensitive areas. Other areas that are not as critical can be protected by other solutions that are not tied into the networked access control system – but still provide excellent security. When designing a system, facilities should also look for solutions that make expanding the system easy at a later date when needed or the budget allows. Look for modular offline electronic locks that can be easily upgraded with new credentials or brought online at a later date. In many cases, multi-technology readers will make migrating to different credential technologies in the future a more cost-effective, smoother process.
System Software
Due to advancements in security technology, ambulatory and long-term care facilities can implement an effective access control system with software that is easy to use and affordable. These systems specifically address the needs of facilities that require access control on fewer than 32 doors. They let administrators manage credentials and access rights instantly and quickly implement an emergency management plan, including lockdown, when needed. Also available are access control systems that can be accessed via the web. These systems are just as secure and effective as traditional systems, but do not require a dedicated computer, complicated software installations and best of all, can be accessed from any computer on the network – whether in the facility or not. This gives system administrators the freedom to control the system from anywhere. Hardware When selecting door hardware for your access control system, you will want to take a few things into consideration, including functionality, ease of installation and maintenance, and the role that this device may play in future expansion of the system. At the time access control systems first became popular in the health care industry, facilities had to be hardwired in order to add electronic locks and readers. In addition, dedicated computers had to be put in place to manage the system. This is no longer the only option. With web-based access control systems and wireless electronic locks, implementation has not only become more affordable but quicker and safer for the facility, its staff and its patients. For instance, wireless electronic locks are popular in health care facilities, primarily because of their installation benefits. They offer the same security and functionality of hardwired devices but make installation easier and less intrusive. Because no wires are being run to the door, there is no drilling through walls and no running cables throughout the facility. This reduces the downtime in the area and does not affect any infectious disease control measures already in place. Wireless electronic locks will work with a number of different credential technologies, including those that your facility may already use, such as magnetic stripe, proximity or smart card, and are available with or without the added option of a keypad. New Systems Provide New Solutions By using access control software on high priority openings, ambulatory and long-term care facilities will increase the control, security and efficiency of the entire facility. Matthew Conrad, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, director, health care market. How Door Hardware Helps Meet HIPAA Guidelines HIPAA–the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–protects how a patient’s information is viewed, documented and transported in interoffice and intra-office settings. The law protects both physical and electronic copies of the documents. Not only does the policy help secure that a patients medical history is kept private, but it has also forced agencies, offices and providers to rethink the practices and policies in regards to not only privacy but security as well. Offices now must be accountable for how employees access information and which employees are allowed to view patient information. The difference between being HIPAA compliant and penalties could come down to something as simple as the hardware on openings. Openings should be inspected frequently to assure their functionality. Locking mechanisms should perform as intended. Doors should open and close smoothly. Keeping openings functional and working properly not only helps maintain a high level of security but also keeps the system prepared in case of a surprise inspection. Not only do openings and their locking mechanisms need to be functioning as intended - per the Life Safety Code - but they should be monitored.  At Sandhills Medical Center, authorized personnel can get into the data center only via a wireless proximity reader controlled by a bright blue self contained web-enabled security system. User Protocols On a user level, offices need to establish a protocol that covers day-to-day operations. The protocols should be able to identify which employees have access to patient information and to what extent employees are allowed access. Who can retrieve the information, who can distribute the information and who can export the information to other agencies and bodies should all be included in the profile - in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. The protocols need to do more than establish who has access to the information; they need to establish how the information is accessed. Using an advanced key-based solution that has a patented keyway system is a sufficient basic solution. Such a system allows administrators to keep track of key holders. A more popular and advanced security option is the adoption of an electronic system. Electronic security can come in a variety of credential and network options, from offline pin code locks on the door to wireless locks and card readers. With an electronic solution, administrators can restrict user access with the help of access control software. And, unlike keybased systems, an electronic system logs user movement through openings, creating a data trail which cannot only help in the ease of monitoring accountability but can also be invaluable in case of a breach. Inspect Yourself Proactively monitoring, testing, and updating a facility’s hardware, policies and procedures goes a long way in maintaining HIPAA-compliance. Encouraging employees to point out hardware failures, and protocol tweaks will help administrators stay on top of the facility’s security. In the end, making certain an office stays HIPAA-compliant could be a matter of whether or not one can go through the door in accordance with protocols. Because of this, making sure the facility’s openings are secure, functioning and monitored properly is a fundamental element in maintaining security and compliance. Matthew Conrad, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, director, health care market.
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