Common use of Wireless Networks Clause in Contracts

Wireless Networks. A growing number of OTN members are exploring the possibilities of telemedicine over wireless networks within the healthcare site. Wireless technology offers significant advantages in terms of mobility and convenience, for applications such as PC-based videoconferencing, real-time collaboration, or clinical consultations via mobile telemedicine cart. However, before you introduce wireless technology into your telemedicine practice, you should be aware of its inherent risks. It is important to understand the privacy and security risks inherent in the use of wireless technology in the telemedicine environment. A wireless system is more difficult to secure than an equivalent wired system for the following reasons:  Wireless signal propagation. In a wired system, a communication signal is confined to the wire on which it is transmitted. In order to intercept the signal, a receiving device must be attached directly to the wire. In a wireless system, a communication signal is broadcast over an extended spatial area, and anyone within that area, using an appropriate receiving device, will be able to intercept the signal.  Encryption requirements. In order to preserve the confidentiality of information transmitted over the wireless medium (which is inherently susceptible to eavesdropping), the information must be encrypted. A secure wireless encryption scheme is difficult to design and implement, leading to the frequent absence of encryption capabilities in real-world wireless systems, as well as numerous weaknesses in systems that do provide these capabilities.  Interference and jamming. Because wireless signals propagate over an extended spatial area, it is easy for two signals to interfere with each other, causing both to become corrupted. Interference may be caused by other wireless sources in the area, leading to degradation in the performance of a wireless system. Furthermore, a malicious attacker may intentionally generate a strong wireless signal designed to interfere with a wireless system, in order to prevent it from operating. As a health information custodian, you are required under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) to take reasonable steps to ensure the security and privacy of personal health information. These steps would include ensuring that policies, procedures and technical safeguards are in place at your organization to protect data transiting wireless networks. If you are planning to use wireless networking technology to access OTN events or services, you should contact your OTN Regional Manager for assistance. OTN has developed a Position Paper on Wireless Technology which explains inherent risks in wireless networking and outlines recommended best practices for the use of wireless technology in the healthcare environment. Should you decide to move forward with your wireless implementation, you will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will be attached to your Membership Agreement. The MOU serves to document that you are aware of and comply with PHIPA requirements, as set out in the June 2007 order by Ontario’s Privacy and Information Commissioner.

Wireless Networks. ‌ A growing number of OTN members Members are exploring the possibilities of telemedicine over wireless networks within the healthcare site. Wireless technology offers significant advantages in terms of mobility and convenience, for applications such as PC-based videoconferencing, real-mobile real- time collaboration, or clinical consultations via a mobile telemedicine cart. However, before you introduce a Member introduces wireless technology into your the telemedicine practice, you they should be aware of its inherent risks. It is important Risks to understand the privacy and security of personal health information: Privacy and security risks are inherent in the use of wireless technology in the telemedicine environment. A wireless system is more difficult to secure than an equivalent wired system for the following reasons:  • Wireless signal propagation. In a wired system, a communication signal is confined to the wire on which it is transmitted. In order to To intercept the signal, a receiving device must be attached directly to the wire. In a wireless system, a communication signal is broadcast over an extended spatial area, area and anyone within that area, area using an appropriate receiving device, will be able to device can intercept the signal.  • Encryption requirements. In order to To preserve the confidentiality of information transmitted over the wireless medium (which is inherently susceptible to eavesdropping), the information must be encrypted. A secure wireless encryption scheme is difficult to design and implement, leading to the frequent absence of encryption capabilities in real-world wireless systems, as well as numerous weaknesses in systems that do provide these capabilities.  • Interference and jamming. Because wireless signals propagate over an extended spatial area, it is easy for two signals to interfere with each other, causing both to become corrupted. Interference may be caused by other wireless sources in the area, leading to degradation in the performance of a wireless system. Furthermore, a malicious attacker may intentionally generate a strong wireless signal designed to interfere with a wireless system, in order system to prevent it from operating. As a health information custodian, you are a Member is required under the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) to take reasonable steps to ensure the security and privacy of personal health information. These steps would include ensuring that policies, procedures procedures, and technical safeguards are in place at your a Member’s organization to protect data transiting wireless networks. If you are a Member is planning to use wireless networking technology to access OTN events or services, you they should contact your OTN Regional their Account Manager for assistance. OTN has developed a Position Paper on Wireless Technology which explains inherent risks in wireless networking and outlines recommended best practices for the use of wireless technology in the healthcare environment. Should you a Member decide to move forward with your the wireless implementation, you they will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will be attached to your their Membership Agreement. The MOU serves to document that you are a Member is aware of and comply with PHIPA requirements, as set out in the June 2007 order by Ontario’s Privacy and Information Commissioner.