Monitoring Supplement
Editor's Note for Monitoring Supplement
Monitoring Rx
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Feb 05, 2007
Just when you think technology has hit the apex, another pinnacle of
knowledge is thrown into the mix, and the latest and greatest becomes
the next generation. The same is true for monitoring.
There are many facets to monitoring, but one in particular has
caught my interest this time around: healthcare security. The
healthcare field is highly regulated.
Healthcare security is more than just burglar and fire alarms.
Healthcare facilities must secure the facility while providing for the
safety of patients, staff and visitors. Like everyone else, healthcare
facilities must accomplish this on an ever-tightening budget.
One aspect of the healthcare industry is rather unique, and that is
the security of newborn babies. This isn't easy, but new technology
helps by keeping that newborn on the radar screen all the time and
within certain boundaries of the hospital. It's all part of a
customized solution that monitoring companies can offer today. The key
part of this is that healthcare facilities must be HIPAA compliant and
match up with JCAHO standards.
Much of this is accomplished with intrusion detection systems, fire
and life safety equipment, as well as electronic access. You can see
that monitoring is no easy task.
Another interesting part of monitoring the healthcare industry lies
in making sure there are proper security solutions in place for the
pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry has its own
special needs and relies on intrusion alarm systems, automatic fire
alarms, video surveillance, access control solutions and use of a
24-hour monitoring center. Pharmaceuticals must be protected by UL-
FM-approved services and comply with the pharmacy board and Drug
Enforcement Agency.
Part of the reason this is necessary is because the pharmacy is a
controlled security area, and accountability helps prevent losses due
to intrusion, shoplifting or internal theft by screening certain areas
and recording certain areas where there is access to controlled
substances.
Video surveillance helps monitor areas from a single location, and
the surveillance work can be accomplished efficiently and economically.
Monitoring allows a pharmacy to continue its work without
inconveniencing employees or disrupting daily business functions.
Monitoring is an incredible aspect of the security industry and
should not to be taken lightly. After all, the healthier your facility,
the better you'll feel.
This article originally appeared in the February 2007 issue of Security Products' Monitoring Supplement, pg. 26C.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.