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signal for urgent calls via a "page" option available on most phones
(callers should use this function only if the phone is unanswered).
6. No unauthorized texting, surfing or game-playing.
7. Avoid sensitive communication near awake or sedated patients.
8. The use of cellular devices to take and transmit photographs
should be governed by your HIPAA policy on photography of patients
and by government regulations pertaining to patient privacy and con-
fidentiality.
9. Place all personal phones in single-use bags (see photo). Staff dis-
pose of the bags after each case.
10. Communication using hardwired phones is subject to the same
discipline as cellular technology.
— Vangie Dennis, RN, BSN, CNOR, CMLSO
Ms. Dennis (
vangie.dennis@southernregional.org
) is the administrative direc-
tor of the Spivey Station Surgery Center in Jonesboro, Ga.
SURGEONS'
Lounge
THE
