Industries that previously didn't have to worry about document disposal now have to assure customers and the government that unauthorized individuals cannot gain access to the private information they use in the normal course of business.

Strict records management practices are no longer a luxury - fierce competition and increased litigation make them an absolute necessity.

Breaches of confidentiality not only erode consumer confidence, they also expose companies to severe federally imposed penalties and the possible loss of market share due to competitors' ability to obtain sensitive information through "dumpster diving".

Like an insurance policy, proper document destruction policies make sure that exposure is limited through procedures that evidence a good faith effort to keep sensitive information out of the wrong hands.

The document destruction industry

Many organizations attempt to dispose of sensitive materials by using scissors and office shredders. These methods of document destruction are very costly and inefficient. However, even the most well intentioned and diligent office worker who shreds using the standard office shredder cannot foil a determined information-thief. And the courts know that. A standard office shredder shreds documents into 5/8" strips - strips that are easily reconstructed.

The off-site document destruction industry arose to fill the need for professional document destruction. Under contract arrangements, companies would take the sensitive documents away from the health care facility or business, and dispose of them by recycling or destroying them. Problems with this system include:

• The documents are vulnerable during transportation
• The is no guarantee that the documents are completely destroyed
• Recycling is not the same as destruction

By shredding your sensitive documents on-site, including paper, microfiche, computer discs and bound reports, we offer you:

• Compliance with strict government regulations
• Protection from loss of market share and from litigation
• Assurance your client's and patient's confidential information is protected
• Enhancement of your public image
• Reduction in your current records storage cost
• Reduction in your current document destruction cost

Legislation that will affect you
Privacy and Security

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-
The Department of Health and Human Services issued privacy legislation on December 28, 2000, with compliance required by April 14, 2003. In order to comply with this legislation, health care organizations must ensure that there are adequate security measures in place to protect their patients' private health information.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act) - THis regulation issued by the Federal Trade Commission applies to financial institutions and other organizations that obtain nonpublic personal information through the normal course of their business.
Some states have enacted legislation with even tougher penalties in an attempt to reduce the incidences of identity theft.