THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (ADPH) BUREAU OF CLINICAL LABORATORIES (BCL)

Terms of Use - Computer and Information Usage Agreement:

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) considers maintaining the security and confidentiality of protected health information a matter of its highest priority. All those granted access to this information must agree to the standards set forth in this Computer and Information Usage Agreement. All those who cannot agree to these terms will be denied access to protected health information entrusted by our patients to this organization. Each person accessing the ADPH Bureau of Clinical Laboratories (BCL) Web Portal’s data and resources holds a position of trust relative to this information and must recognize the responsibilities entrusted in preserving the security and confidentiality of this information. The following conditions apply to all those having access to protected health information.

I will: 

• Respect the privacy and rules governing the use of any information accessible through the computer system or network and only utilize information necessary for performance of my job.
• Respect the procedures established to manage the use of the system.
• Prevent unauthorized use of any information in files maintained, stored or processed by ADPH.
• Not seek personal benefit or permit others to benefit personally by any confidential information or use of equipment available through my work assignment.
• Not exhibit or divulge the contents of any record or report except to fulfill a work assignment.
• Not knowingly include or cause to be included in any record or report, a false, inaccurate, or misleading entry.
• Only access records by only using the credentials for which I have been issued, and  healthcare providers agree to only access information for individuals under their care.
• Be supplied my initial password by the BCL, but it must be changed by the user upon initial login. I will change my password as necessary to maintain its security, and I am responsible for the integrity and safe keeping of my password against unauthorized use.
• Report any violation of this code.

        I understand that the information accessed through all ADPH information systems contains sensitive and confidential patient care and member care, business, financial and hospital employee information, which may only be disclosed to those authorized to receive it. I will maintain the confidentiality of any reports printed from any information system containing patient or member information and handle, store and dispose of these reports appropriately. I will not divulge any information that identifies a patient or member. I understand that all access to the system will be monitored.

I understand that my access to protected health information maintained by ADPH is a privilege and not a right afforded to me. By logging into this account,  I agree to protect the security of this information and maintain all protected health information in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), the Health Information Technology and Clinical Health Act (the “HITECH Act”) and the associated regulations promulgated by the Secretary of HHS (“HIPAA Rules”), as well as any applicable state law and regulations. Any breech of the terms outlined in this agreement will subject me to penalties, including disciplinary action, as provided by state and federal law. By logging into this account, I agree that I have read, understand and will comply with all the conditions outlined in this agreement.