Between patient medical records, sensitive data, and medications—hospitals and medical facilities place a high priority on safety and security. To ensure proper oversight of all assets, medical supplies, employees, and patients, they rely on cloud-based access control systems.
Below, we will take a look at some of the benefits that customized cloud access control systems provide hospital and medical facilities, as well as which type works best.
Continue reading below to learn more and find out how Action 1st Loss Prevention can help provide your medical facility with the best access control system for your needs.
BENEFITS OF CUSTOMIZED ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR MEDICAL FACILITIES
Access control systems provide a wealth of benefits to healthcare providers and medical facilities. Here are a few of the most significant advantages:
DATA AND PATIENT RECORD SECURITY
For healthcare facilities, keeping patient records and business data secure is critical. Healthcare providers are required by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws to keep patient information secure at all times.
Not only must medical facilities follow the law, but they also have an ethical obligation to protect the information of their patients.
Furthermore, hospital and healthcare facilities’ computer systems typically contain a variety of sensitive data, including protected health information. Therefore, management must take all reasonable steps to safeguard this information from security breaches, and access control is a reliable method for doing so.
Patients’ trust in the healthcare practice would be lost if their personal information was leaked. Luckily, access control systems are one of the best ways to ensure that never happens.
PHYSICAL SECURITY
Physical security measures must also be taken into consideration by healthcare and medical facilities. Not only are sensitive materials such as drugs and medications stored at these facilities, but patients and employees are often working during all hours of the night, which means extra security is frequently required.
Customized cloud access control can include high-quality locking mechanisms, alarms, and other features to help reduce the risk of theft as much as possible.
For example, access control systems are frequently used to limit traffic in maternity wards, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and other sensitive areas.
NO TOUCH ACCESS
Because healthcare facilities are frequently home to sick patients and germs, it’s critical to keep touchpoints to an absolute minimum.
Through various entryways throughout the facility, access control systems can allow no-touch access and exit using things such as auto door operators and touch-free devices which helps in preventing germs from spreading and cut down on the amount of time you spend disinfecting areas.
SIMPLE INTEGRATION
Access control systems are also advantageous because they make it simple for healthcare providers to integrate with existing back-end systems.
For example, many access control systems include a time and attendance feature that allows you to easily track when employees clock in and out of work, as well as who is entering the facility and when.
BEST ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR HOSPITALS
Medical facilities can choose from a variety of access control systems, the majority of which comply with all HIPAA regulations.
Though the requirements of various medical facilities will vary, access control systems provide a variety of systems for medical facilities to choose from that suit their needs.
Healthcare providers can choose from a variety of access control options, including:
SWIPE CARDS
In healthcare facilities and hospitals, swipe cards are a common form of access control. Each employee is given their own card, which is pre-programmed with their access credentials.
For added security, their cards frequently include a photo ID. Then, using their card, each employee can gain access to various doors throughout the facility.
Swipe cards can also be easily attached to a lanyard, which healthcare professionals can clip to their scrubs to keep with them at all times. They can also use these cards to show security guards their photo ID, allowing them to enter the building safely.
KEYPAD READERS
With keypad readers, a locking mechanism on each door is used to grant access based on a password that each staff member must type in.
As an added security measure, cloud access control systems with keypad readers can be programmed to require a different passcode for each door.
Keypad readers can also be used independently or as part of a customized access control system.
CELL PHONE CREDENTIALS
Cell phone credentials or mobile access control allows users to utilize their cell phones to get access to a building.
This lets your hospital and healthcare facility staff gain access to a controlled area without the need to touch any surface—making it more convenient, safe, and hygienic.
The use of cell phones to provide access to your facilities is cost-effective while providing better flexibility.
MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
To gain access to a certain door using multi-factor authentication systems, a user must present two forms of identification.
Passcodes, mobile device codes, swipe cards, fingerprints, and other forms of identification are all examples of acceptable forms of identification.
This method of access control can be very useful in ensuring that the person requesting access is who they claim to be. However, for healthcare and medical professionals who are always on the go, this system can be more time-consuming than necessary.
CLOUD-BASED ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS
Lastly, cloud-based access control entails granting access to employees via their smartphone or tablet device.
A user downloads a software application to their smartphone or tablet device, and a code is generated based on their level of authorization. When they approach the area, the access control reader scans their device and grants or denies access based on their credentials.
Because most people nowadays carry their phones with them wherever they go, this system can be very useful. Cloud-based access control systems for medical facilities are also more tailored to individual employees.
ACCESS CONTROL SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MEDICAL FACILITY
Hospitals and medical facilities are high-risk environments, which means they need access control systems they can trust. If you’re interested in learning more about how access control systems can help keep your healthcare facility safe, Action 1st Loss Prevention can help.
We have the tools and expertise to help your medical facility find the right access control system. With over 30 years of security and access control experience, we can help your medical or healthcare facility find a security solution that meets your needs and budget.
For a free consultation and to learn more about medical access control systems, contact us at Action 1st Loss Prevention today.
