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FCC Ruling Reinforces Text Messaging Concerns

As of December 2018, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has adopted an official ruling that text messages will be considered an informational service (such as emails) versus a telecommunication service (such as telephone calls). Click here for the ruling.  This distinction is highly relevant, as communications classified as “telecommunication services” must be transmitted by cellular carriers and are not permitted to be blocked or altered, whereas informational services can be.

As text messaging has grown in popularity over the last decade, texts have carried an ambiguous status; this ambiguity has allowed cellular carriers to make independent decisions regarding transmission, with many carriers defaulting to handle texts as informational services.  For the December ruling, the FCC took into consideration that cellular providers have already been filtering text messages (in an effort to minimize spam) and that allowing all texts to go through could burden consumers.

Although it is unlikely that cellular carriers will block text messages that consumers have opted to receive, this ruling allows carriers discretion and the authority to intercept or recategorize flagged messages (such as mass marketing messages or messages that contain prohibited content).  

Medical and clinical practitioners must be aware of the FCC order that places text messages in the same category as emails, which can increase the risk to privacy and affect the reliability of the text messages.  We have always advised that healthcare organizations do not use standard SMS texting with patients, and this new ruling emphasizes the importance of using messaging applications that are designed specifically for healthcare.  

The HIPAA security rule requires covered entities to implement technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all e-PHI (protected health information created, stored, and transmitted in electronic form).  Standard SMS text messaging does not allow for this, as there isn't a way to audit access to the messages; or a way to ensure that texts haven't been modified by the phone carrier or read by anyone other than the intended recipient.  Some providers choose to send appointment reminders via SMS text messages with the patient’s informed consent. This ruling will likely require such informed consent to be modified so that patients are adequately informed of this new risk.

Every behavioral health professional association’s code of ethics states that providers ought to use secure means of communication with clients. Often providers use technology in healthcare as they are used to using it in their personal daily lives.  However, in respect of confidentiality, we recommend that providers obtain training in the use of technology for healthcare, and seek consultation as needed for their practice.

We have a selection of courses that help with choosing and technology and also using technology in a proficient and legal manner.