Q&A: Errors after software patch installation

Q: A patch was installed within the EHR at my facility last week. While using the system this week, my coworker and I received an error message. Should we alert staff of this performance issue?

A: Since the error message may be related to the newly installed patch, it would be prudent to notify the IT department of the error message you received and the activity that triggered it.

Software patches must be properly installed on your equipment. Many software errors are harmless, but you don’t want to leave your computer systems and electronic protected health information vulnerable. A good way to keep this from happening at your facility is to have a patch management policy in place that spells out how to test and install software patches.

Editor’s note: Mary D. Brandt, MBA, RHIA, CHE, CHPS, is a healthcare consultant specializing in healthcare regulatory compliance and operations improvement. She is also an advisory board member for BOH. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for answers to specific privacy and security questions. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent HCPro or ACDIS. Email your HIPAA questions to Associate Editor Heidi Samuelson at hsamuelson@hcpro.com.