In order to provide quick and efficient access to patient records, many heath care authorities and organizations are discussing the conversion of medical records from paper to an integrated online database.

In order to provide quick and efficient access to patient records, many heath care authorities and organizations are discussing the conversion of medical records from paper to an integrated online database. However, making these records available in a database, and on networks or smart cards, may allow unauthorized people to view private data. Protecting privacy completely may cost too much money. It may also make authorized access to information slow or too difficult. What policies and measures could health care administrators use to ensure security of the system and applications and privacy of patients' information and records? Discuss.