Information Security and Privacy
Patient Privacy
Munson Healthcare has always been committed to protecting patients' medical information. The Federal laws and related regulations come from the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These are national rules hospitals and providers must follow to provide all patients in the United States with standard privacy protections. The State of Michigan Medical Records Access Act also provides protections and rights for individuals medical records.
Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)
One rule requires hospitals and providers to provide all patients with a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) to explain how patient medical information can be and is used. If you have questions about anything contained in this notice, please feel free to contact the Privacy Officer.
When & Why We Share Your Health Information
Munson Healthcare shares your health information with persons and organizations outside our health system in different ways and for various reasons, to benefit your health care and management. For example, if you have a test at one health system, electronic data sharing allows a doctor at another health system to access that information. This prevents duplicate tests being done. No matter where you are treated, sharing your health information, whether on paper, verbally or through a secure electronic exchange ensures all your providers have timely access to your complete medical history.
Your information may also be shared electronically for purposes such as payment, health care operations, educational or research purposes. In many cases, your approval is required before your health information is shared.
Click here for information about medical record access and answers to frequently asked questions.
Privacy and Security Officer Contact Information
Munson Healthcare strives to protect the information of our patients and continuously evaluates the effectiveness of IT system controls.
If you have questions or concerns about information privacy or security, or observe a flaw or vulnerability of a Munson Healthcare IT system or website, please contact us by email:
Responses are typically delivered within one business day.
If you are a Munson Healthcare employee with questions or concerns regarding privacy and security, please contact your manager, file a VOICE report, or use the email links above. The VOICE system allows for anonymous submissions and staff with the security and privacy team may also keep questions confidential upon request.
HIPAA/HITECH
Munson EMR access policy changes effective 10/01/2022
We have updated Munson Healthcare’s external user electronic health record (EHR) access policy to ensure compliance, reduce risk, and secure the health information of our patients.
Effective October 1, 2022, there will be TWO PATHS to access near real-time information on Munson Healthcare patients. For more details on this change, along with requirements and resource documents, please read the attached.
All providers and staff who do NOT meet the criteria or complete the requirements for PATH 1 will lose existing access to the Munson Healthcare EHR as of October 1, 2022. Please do not wait to either complete requirements (PATH 1) or make the transition to an HIE for patient data access (PATH 2).