Attachment 6 – HC Data protection is word ONE with MEPS

Data protection is word ONE with MEPS
Nothing is more important to us than protecting the
personal information you share with the Medical
Expenditure Panel Survey field representative. That is
why we take a number of steps to ensure that no
unauthorized persons will EVER have access to
information that identifies you as a MEPS participant.
 Each computer is password protected – Passwords
are changed at regular intervals.
 Information cannot be viewed or changed after the
interview is complete – Once the field representative
completes the interview, he/she cannot review or
change the information you provided.
 No information that could identify survey
participants is publicly released – Information that
could identify a survey participant is removed before the
data is made available to the public.
 Computer security is a major focus – The field
representative is trained to never leave the computer
unattended or in plain view, even in a locked car. At
home the computer is secured in an office and
unavailable to other family members.
 Pledge of confidentiality – All contracting staff and
government staff working on MEPS have signed an
assurance of confidentiality agreement.
If this
assurance is violated, the violator is subject to penalties
including fines and possible arrest.

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