"Nuts & Bolts 2" - A Guide to the Clinical Years Section 2: Vital Information for Clinical Clerkships Table of Contents Computer Security and Use Regarding access to patient information in the UCSF Medical Center system UCSF computer system users have access to confidential medical records and patient account information. This information is maintained to serve the patient, health care providers, third-party payers, and to conform to regulatory requirements. Patient records are accessible only to authorized personnel. It is your responsibility as an authorized user to protect the confidentiality of patient data. 1. Patient data is confidential and may not be revealed to unauthorized persons, agencies, etc., without the written consent of the patient. If there are any questions, please consult a supervisor, chief resident, or attending physician. 2. There will be no discussion of a patient's medical or financial condition with non-authorized personnel. 3. Access to patient data is restricted unless required to fulfill the course of job responsibilities. 4. Under existing California State law, any person who maliciously accesses, alters, deletes, damages, or destroys any computer system, network, computer program, or data shall be guilty of a felony. 5. The unauthorized use of another person's security code/password or the unauthorized delegation of my code to another person may be considered false representation.   Clinical Display System/Patient Information Database Third- and fourth-year students are given access to UCSF and Mt. Zion patient laboratory data via the UCSF Hospitals Clinical Display System (CDS). To activate your access ID#, you must read and sign the "Computer Security and Use Statement." This process is required because strict confidentiality regarding patient records must be maintained. You received this statement, along with a laminated CDS instruction card, during "Preparation for Clerkships" week. (The form can also be downloaded from iRocket, and copies are available in the Office of Curricular Affairs.) Your user ID code is the same as your online SAA user ID, assigned to you by the Registrar's Office. Mario Mercurio in the Office of Curricular Affairs will give you your temporary password after your form is submitted. When you first sign on to CDS, you will be prompted to create a new security code. This password must contain exactly six characters with at least one number. If you forget it, call Mario at 476-2346, and he will reset your account. It takes 24 hours to reactivate an account if you forget your password! Access to patient records at the San Francisco General Hospital and the San Francisco VA Medical Center is handled by the department responsible for you.