Final answer:
The tool used to view health records online is known as a patient portal, which is a component of electronic health record systems. Policy considerations around EHRs include ensuring authorized access, safeguarding data, and granting patients control over their own records.
Step-by-step explanation:
The access tool used to view a subset of a patient's health records after logging in to a secure online website is commonly referred to as a patient portal. Patient portals are part of electronic health record (EHR) systems that healthcare providers use to manage and share patient information securely.
Healthcare organizations are balancing the need to provide high-quality care and the privacy of electronic health records while managing the costs associated with treatments and diagnoses. In developing policies to protect patient privacy within electronic health systems, policymakers must address several critical questions:
- How can the healthcare system ensure that patient data is only accessed by authorized personnel?
- What are the protocols for safeguarding patient data against unauthorized access or breaches?
- In what ways can patients control who has access to their electronic health records?
These questions are relevant in formulating comprehensive policies that respect patient privacy while enabling efficient and effective healthcare delivery.