Re: E-mail

["James W. Kilgore" <qappdsn@xxxxxxx>]

Joanie Clark wrote:
> 
> This can pertain to either e-mail on the AS/400 or via PC networks.....
> 
> Does anyone have a policy on e-mail and it's content ?

Our basic policy is: If you don't want it read out loud in court, don't
email it.
Don't write it. Don't say it. Don't do it.  If you do, we'll hang you
out to dry.

> Perhaps just a general policy statement saying that all e-mail is NOT
> confidential and we (the hospital in my case) reserves the right to view any
> e-mail for it's content.

That's a good one.  Same goes for the carbon copy of memo pads, "while
you were out", etc.
The use of company materials makes all works produced the property of
the company. (Unless otherwise stated in writing)
> 
> My biggest concern is my users sending confidential information via e-mail,
> this could range from patient test results and/or diagnosis, to the wage
> rate of an employee......   maybe I'm too worried, but I'd prefer to think
> that my e-mail system is just scheduling meetings/lunches, or asking simple
> questions, not sending patient information .....
> 
You do run into the client confidentiallity issue unless you are using
an encryption technique for interdepartmental email. PGP (Pretty Good
Privacy) is free.

BTW, putting something in writing, stuffing it into an envelope,
slapping a stamp on it and dropping it into your mail box gives that
message the full weight of the Federal government behind it's security. 
Has anyone heard of similar discussions concerning "tampering" with
email?

James W. Kilgore
QAPPDSN@ibm.net
+---
| This is the Midrange System Mailing List!
| To submit a new message, send your mail to "MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com".
| To unsubscribe from this list send email to MAJORDOMO@midrange.com
|    and specify 'unsubscribe MIDRANGE-L' in the body of your message.
| Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com
+---