Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What guideline should a healthcare organization follow for employees who use personal devices at work?

1. forbid personal devices completely

2. allow unrestricted use of personal devices

3. establish defined protocols for device use

4. provide personal devices to staff

The correct answer is: establish defined protocols for device use

Establishing defined protocols for the use of personal devices in the workplace is essential for balancing productivity and security. This guideline enables healthcare organizations to manage risks associated with data breaches, protect patient information, and maintain compliance with regulations such as HIPAA. By creating specific protocols, organizations can outline acceptable use, ensure security measures are in place (like encryption and password protection), and provide guidance on which applications or functionalities of personal devices can be utilized for work purposes. Such protocols also promote accountability among staff, as employees understand the parameters within which they can operate. With guidelines in place, the organization is better equipped to mitigate potential security threats while allowing for the flexibility that personal devices can provide in enhancing communication and efficiency. In contrast, completely forbidding personal devices can hinder employee convenience and may reduce morale, while allowing unrestricted use increases the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information. Providing personal devices to staff can incur additional costs and may not address the needs or preferences of individuals, impeding overall satisfaction and productivity. Thus, establishing defined protocols represents a balanced approach to managing personal device usage in a healthcare setting.