Implementing technological safeguards to ensure patient privacy.

Computers play an increasingly important role in the storage and retrieval of patient data. Internet attack incidents are growing at the astronomical rate of 64 percent a year, and some estimates state that employees are responsible for more than 80 percent of all security breaches. The information security regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act provide an impetus for health care providers to implement processes that ensure the safety and confidentiality of patient information.