While veterinary practices and veterinarians don’t currently have to be HIPPA compliant, client confidentiality is required under many state veterinary practice acts, and business requirements for protecting the privacy of personal and financial information also apply. Therefore, practices should ensure communication and internal record systems, whether they are handling patient and client contact and health information or financial information, are secure and data are kept private.

• Data security implies protecting your essential business data from potential destruction caused by malware.
• Before deciding on a technology product, including platforms, be sure to ask how the data used by the system is accessed, stored, and secured.
• Pay particular attention to ensuring the security of your clients’ credit cards and banking information.
• Ask providers what they do with the practice’s and patients’ data. Inquire if they are used for internal research and/or sold to third parties.