June 2009

PowerChart Basics
Session 1
Goal:
To acquaint the user with the basics of
PowerChart patient information security.
Objective:
1. State the importance of maintaining system security and password confidentiality.

Patient Information Security
 PowerChart is an electronic health record.
 It is your responsibility to protect the patient’s confidentiality.
 Only access/view patient information that is relevant to your job.
 You are responsible and accountable for all information accessed with your user name.
 The Information Security Officer audits
PowerChart usage.

Patient Information Security
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 Always log out of PowerChart when you leave the computer.
 Do not share your password with anyone.
 If visitors and other hospital personnel are close by, minimize your PowerChart window.
 Do not get into the chart of a family member, or friend or colleague.
 Do not open charts of patients that you are not providing care for.

PowerChart Access
 Munson Medical Center and Information Systems will provide you with a user name and password.
 Your user name and password is your legal signature.
 You are responsible and accountable for all information accessed with your user name.
 Only access patient information relevant to your job.

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 MHC employees can access their own information, but NOT that of family or personal circle.
 To access records of minor children, you must go to Medical Records to request the information.
An Information Security Officer audits computer systems activity at MHC. Any abuse of the security policy is subject to disciplinary action.

PowerChart Password Requirements:
 Use at least 8 characters-more may be used
 Use at least 1 letter and 1 numeric digit
 Use a combination of upper and lower case letters
Make them unique and don’t write them down!
Do not use words found in dictionaries.
Avoid family, pets and common regional names.
Don’t share your password!

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An example of a strong password:
“I like to walk for charity in the Spring!” iL2w4cits!
PowerChart will allow you 3 attempts to log in. If you have not been successful, call the HELP DESK at ext.
56053 for assistance.
Creating strong, secure passwords and protecting access are the first steps to maintaining confidentiality.

 The computer system will require you to reset your password the first time you log in to PowerChart, and every
180 days thereafter.
 Resetting your password is an important component to maintaining patient privacy. As a staff member you have the responsibility to protect each patient’s health record from unwarranted exposure.
 A new password must be different than any of your last four passwords.
 If you feel your password has been compromised call the
HELP DESK 56053.

Logging Out of PowerChart Securely

All users are responsible for any activity & documentation performed using their
User ID and password.

Recommended exiting:
· ‘Exit door’ tool bar button
· Task menu exit

Caution : always check the task bar to make sure you are fully logged out of the PowerChart application before walking away from your PC.

Securing your session is an alternative to logging out that provides quick access when you return and allows others to use the computer in your absence.
To secure your session when open to a patient’s chart, rt. click on PowerChart Organizer on the Task Bar. Select “Secure
Session”.
Task Bar

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To return to your session:
 Click on the secured session task.
The login window opens.
 Enter your password.

You have completed session 1 of the 2 session
PowerChart education for PAS/LAB staff.