R ed F lag R ule Training for the Veterinary Industry © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
What is the Red Flag Rule? The Red Flag Rule is a relatively new rule developed by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to help prevent identify theft and credit card fraud © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Does this apply to you? YES! The FTC ruled that members of the veterinary team must comply. The Red Flag Rule © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
It’s not HIPAA- the RFR protects financial information not medical info Specifically for protection of consumers (that would be our clients) from identity theft HIPAA policies can overlap with the RFR in terms of identity protection (such as Social Security Numbers) Isn’t This The HIPAA Rule?? No, this is a cat of different stripes © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
So, let’s get started © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Risk Assessment Checklist Your Practice Manager has created a “Risk Assessment Checklist” Let’s work through the checklist © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Potential Red Flags Gathering information on forms that extend credit for veterinary care. Client information for pet health insurance forms. Accepting credit card payments by phone or mail on written-in forms. Accepting credit card payments at the front desk upon checkout. © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Potential Red Flags Continued Accepting checks and obtaining personal info, such as SSN and driver’s license number. Forms completed by clients for veterinary service. © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Steps to Take Don’t leave files on counters where public has access Keep file cabinets secured © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
More Steps to Take Take private information by phone out of public’s earshot © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Computer Access Secure client information by logging in/out before leaving terminal Protect Your Password!! © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Credit Card Safety Match name on credit card to driver’s license or other form of picture ID Hand credit card back directly to the client you received it from Do NOT lay credit cards down on desk or counter © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Checks Match name on check to driver’s license or other form of picture ID Immediately secure checks in locked drawer When you are preparing deposit slips do so in private © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Beware of what you put in the trash un-shredded. Thieves use contents of trash containers to steal identities. Shred all messages or notes with information about personal records such as addresses, and billing info. Don’t forget electronic media: shred discs, clear out files before disposing of computer. The Importance of Shredding © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
1) Guard personal information collected 2) Carefully handle credit cards 3) Secure personal checks 4) Log in/out of computers 5) Guard passwords Summary © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Now you have completed your training to help stop identity theft © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Call “Doc Chery” Dr. Chery F. Kendrick Veterinarian & Regulatory Specialist Kendrick Technical Services Questions? © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services
Dr. Chery F. Kendrick Veterinary Regulatory Specialist Kendrick Technical Services © Chery F. Kendrick & Kendrick Technical Services