(no subject)

[geminigirl]

A couple of weeks ago, I did an HIV test for a peer educator. At the same time I did one, co-worker did one. The results all came back on the same day. The person I did the test for e-mailed me last week, and asked if I could just e-mail him the results cause he was kind of sick. I told him that no, I couldn't, and that I'm not allowed to do that. His friend (who did the test with my co-worker) came in to get her results today. The results have been locked in my filing cabinet, so my co-worker came down the hall to get them. As I'm unlocking my filing cabinet, he mentions to me that included in the conversation he's already had (not post test counseling yet) with the client, she's told him that the person I tested had said that I agreed to give him results in e-mail.

I realize this is a lot of he said, she said, but we had an issue just a few months ago which involved results being improperly given, and the fact that someone is even suggesting that worries me. Fortunately the client and I communicated via e-mail, and so I'll simply forward that to the appropriate parties with a note about what happened, so that if rumors should start while I'm gone, there's a paper trail.

But still...it bothers me.

Comments

[xrew.livejournal.com]

It should be noted that email is even less secure than a postcard. Not only can it be intercepted during it's travels or unknowingly POP'ed from the server, but copied and forwarded endlessly.

Many NAP (network access points) perform live backups of all data passing through their system to protect against liability, meaning some copy of that email would be sitting on a tape somewhere, even if no security breach occurred.

Regardless of the general guidelines on privacy and communication, the implications of just how many security issues exist should put into question the use of email for any official documentation. Liability issues exist for both the sender and recipient in light of a security breach.

Email is not even close to secure, ever, nor are any internet communications. Anyone who believes otherwise is either ignorant or deluded.

[beetlebau.livejournal.com]

Hopefully they won't keep plugging away at trying to get you to email the test results. I've had dealings with people like that and they are no fun.