Ensure that confidentiality of patient information is

maintained by all personnel

Why
Patient data are privacy sensitive data and must be protected from unauthorized
access and must remain confidential. To that end, all laboratory staff members must
promise to keep patient data confidential in word and in writing.

What
Each staff member must sign a confidentiality agreement which needs to be stored
in his/her personnel file. In a confidentiality agreement requirements are formulated
that are aimed at protecting patient data and keeping it confidential. By signing the
agreement the staff members promise to comply with these requirements.

In the right-hand column an example confidentiality agreement is provided.

How & who

Laboratory Manager:

1. Make a Confidentiality Agreement Form. You can use the example provided in
the right-hand column but add requirements specific to your laboratory when
you deem this as necessary. If necessary request assistance from a lawyer to
be sure that the form is of good quality and can be of use in a legal trial (if a
staff member has broken with the requirements by making patient data
publicly available).
2. Once the confidentiality agreement is finalized ask all staff members to sign
it.
3. When new staff is hired ask them to sign the agreement at the same time that
they sign their contract (or even better: make it part of their contract).