Texting of Patient Information Among Healthcare Providers - Memo from CMS

• Texting patient information among members of the health care team is permissible if accomplished through a secure platform.
• Texting of patient orders is prohibited regardless of the platform utilized.
• Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) is the preferred method of order entry by a provider.

 
CMS recognizes that the use of texting as a means of communication with other members of the healthcare team has become an essential and valuable means of communication among the team
members. In order to be compliant with the CoPs or CfCs, all providers must utilize and maintain systems/platforms that are secure, encrypted, and minimize the risks to patient privacy and
confidentiality as per HIPAA regulations and the CoPs or CfCs. It is expected that providers/organizations will implement procedures/processes that routinely assess the security
and integrity of the texting systems/platforms that are being utilized, in order to avoid negative outcomes that could compromise the care of patients.

Read the full memo here: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Downloads/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-18-10.pdf