Security at Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare security is primarily geared towards major hospitals–and large-scale facilities deserve attention–but outpatient centers, urgent care, and long-term residential care facilities need dynamic security measures as well. Healthcare facilities have very specific requirements that are set by local authorities, the Joint Commission (JCAHO), HIPAA, OSHA, ADA, and other regulatory bodies.
Door Control
Door hardware, operated with an access control system, is ideal for most of the facility. Employees approach secure doors and obtain access by using a PIN or by placing their name badge, which often also functions as an access credential, to a reader located next to the door. Wandering visitors are kept away from expensive equipment, dangerous medications, and personal health information.
For wide hallways and ADA requirements, specialty hardware is used to meet code requirements.
Patient Intake
Whether a rehabilitation facility or large emergency department, patient intake can be contentious. Patients and family members are often under duress and can behave oddly or irrationally. Security cameras are critical. Small facilities without a security team can record video, and larger facilities can use live streams to monitor these areas at a security post to maximize manpower and efficiency.
Ambulance Entry
Ambulance crews need immediate access to the emergency department through a secure door. Family members often accompany EMS crews and people with ill intent can follow them right in. While crews need to be conscientious as they enter the emergency department, patients may be in critical condition which can keep EMS providers from noticing someone walking in behind them. Security cameras around the ambulance bay, inside and outside, will allow security teams to monitor the confusion that can occur in this area.
EMS crews are often given a PIN code for entry. PINs are a security vulnerability since every EMS provider knows the code. An alternate option is to assign card credentials to EMS providers. The cards are unique to each provider and can be disabled if the provider leaves the agency or loses the card. For large metropolitan hospitals, a security guard may need to be posted at emergency department doors to monitor activity.
Specialty Care
Nursing stations and specialty care providers are using video monitoring to keep tabs on patients with special needs, vulnerable to falls, or requiring continual monitoring. Live-view workstations provide a view of multiple rooms from one location.
Pharmacy
Just like free-standing pharmacies, it’s important for facility-based pharmacies to provide a higher level of security within medication storage and the dispensary.
Retail, Food Service, and Cashier
Many healthcare facilities have retail, food service, and cashier windows. These areas are prone to shoplifting and need to be monitored closely. Recordings can be used as evidence, or to investigate chronic inventory shrink and cash theft.
The Right Partner
Our team understands the unique challenges of securing any size healthcare facility. From ADA compliant door controls to video surveillance of high-risk areas such as the emergency department, pharmacy, and obstetrics; we have the extensive healthcare protection experience required to ensure security and safety compliance.
Netronix begins by evaluating an organization’s unique application and performance expectations. Input is gathered from the security team, facilities staff, IT department, administrators, and other stakeholders. Next, we perform a site survey, inside and outside, to evaluate the physical layout of the facility and uncover potential vulnerabilities. Once the risks and expectations are clearly defined, our team designs a unified security solution. Products from a variety of leading manufacturers are assembled into a custom design and demonstrations of key components are performed for the customer.