For some information released, a processing fee will be charged. They are housed at the facility for 15 years and sent to the State Archives for 10 years and then destroyed. All staff permanently assigned to Health Information Services must complete an orientation period. This consists of but is not limited to confidentiality of patient information, policies and procedures, performance improvement activities and medical record documentation requirements. At the end of orientation, the person is required to sign a statement of completion and understanding.
Supervisors are to discuss at least one policy or procedure at each of their staff meetings.
At the quarterly meetings, educational quizzes or in-services are conducted. Since Health Information Services at Spring Grove Hospital Center is a very diversified department, staff assigned to work in the Health Information Services offices must have a working knowledge of medical terminology or be willing to take a course. They must be able to transcribe at least 50 words a minute. Education in psychiatric record keeping is ongoing. Students are referred mostly from the Baltimore City Community College although some have been referred from Essex Community College in the past when they had the Health Information Technology Program.