1.1 This guide covers the principles for confidentiality, privacy, access, and security of person identifiable health information. The focus of this standard is computer-based systems; however, many of the principles outlined in this guide also apply to health information and patient records that are not in an electronic format. Basic principles and ethical practices for handling confidentiality, access, and security of health information are contained in a myriad of federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and in ethical statements of professional conduct. The purpose of this guide is to synthesize and aggregate into a cohesive guide the principles that underpin the development of more specific standards for health information and to support the development of policies and procedures for electronic health record systems and health information systems.

1.2 This guide includes principles related to:

1.3 This guide does not address specific technical requirements. It is intended as a base for development of more specific standards.