Although you likely have familiarity with requirements to safeguard patient confidential information, it is worth highlighting a few key reminders as to how those requirements might apply specifically to accessing program and patient information from Pearl.
Downloads from Pearl
Information downloaded from the Pearl Platform may contain protected health information (PHI) that is subject to restrictions under the law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, as amended, and analogous state statutes, as well as rules, regulations and other requirements promulgated under those statutes (collectively, HIPAA).
Downloads from the Pearl Platform containing PHI are intended solely for the use of the eligible healthcare providers who are obtaining the minimum amount of PHI necessary for valid purposes in compliance with all HIPAA. Moreover, such downloads must be transmitted, used and stored in accordance with HIPAA requirements.
Please remember to securely delete (digital) or destroy (physical) any materials containing PHI when you no longer require access to the information.
Sending Information to Pearl
There are times you'll need to send Pearl information that includes PHI. Please remember that regular email and chat functions are not sufficiently secure. To transmit anything containing PHI to Pearl, follow these steps:
Send an email to help@pearlhealth.com to request an email from our encrypted email platform
Within 24 hours (or sooner), we'll send you an email from our encrypted email platform
Send the documents or other materials containing PHI in a reply to that email from the encrypted platform
Whenever possible, use Pearl Patient IDs, without other identifiers, to further safeguard your patients' information. For more information on your obligations under HIPAA, please visit the following U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Guide for Providers.