August 30, 2016
 
Question:

Hi Jennifer,

I am having an issues with my employees as well as some crazy patients and want to install a camera in the front of the office.  It would face the window that patients check into, for security reasons, as well as the front desk, monitor employee. I know there are some issues with having cameras in the doctors office so I wanted to make sure before I get them that it is okay to have them and doesn't violate any HIPAA violations.  

Please let me know your thoughts.  Thank you!!!

Dr. M


Answer: 

In NY, cameras are absolutely allowed in the waiting area. You can have cameras anywhere an individual would not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.  You are not authorized to record audio in NY. HIPAA comes in to play if you are maintaining or recording any video feed or if there is access to the feed electronically. There is absolutely an obligation to maintain the video feed in compliance with HIPAA, as patient image and any medical records, etc caught on video would qualify as protected health information. If the data is not secured, then you may have HIPAA exposure. 

Hope this helps! 


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