Security, Privacy, and Confidentiality in Agency Microcomputer Use

The author discusses the issues surrounding the maintenance of client records on agency computers, reporting the results of a survey of 48 microcomputer-using private nonprofit agencies with regard to their policies and procedures for maintaining the security, privacy, and confidentiality of client records. Results indicated that three-fourths of agencies were maintaining client information on computers, and the vast majority stored this information with client-identifying data. Most agencies had procedures for checking the accuracy of their records, securing their records against unwarranted inspection, and maintaining backup records. Although all agencies had information-release forms, types of forms varied. With few exceptions, agencies are not yet utilizing computer telecommunications and multiagency information networks to share records. Implications for agency record keeping are discussed.