The Joint Commission updated its position on the use of secure text messaging for patient information and orders June 5.
Accredited healthcare organizations may now text patient orders to other care team members via a secure texting platform, as long as it transfers the data to the EHR. Previously, organizations were only permitted to share patient information — not orders — via secure messaging due to privacy and security concerns.
The update mirrors a revised policy CMS released in February, acknowledging significant advancements in the security and capabilities of current secure texting platforms.
Computerized provider order entry remains the preferred method of order entry, though order entries will be accepted via any approved method, The Joint Commission said.
See accrediting body's full list of requirements for organizations that choose to text patient information and orders here.
Editor's note: This article was updated June 7 at 5:30 p.m. CT.