PLE Health Information Security Policy

01.Purpose

This Information Security Policy defines the principles and requirements for protecting PLE Health’s information assets, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. It establishes a framework for safeguarding sensitive information, including patient, employee, and organizational data.

02.Scope

This policy applies to:

- All employees, contractors, and third parties

- All information systems, devices, and networks owned or used by PLE Health

- All data processed, stored, or transmitted by PLE Health

03.Objectives

- Protect sensitive health and personal data

- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., UK GDPR)

- Prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of information

- Maintain business continuity and minimize risk

04.Information Security Principles

- Confidentiality: Information is accessible only to authorized individuals

- Integrity: Information is accurate and protected from unauthorized modification

- Availability: Information is accessible when needed

05.Roles and Responsibilities

- Management: Ensure resources and support for security implementation

- Information Security Officer: Oversee policy enforcement and risk management

- Employees and Contractors: Comply with all security requirements

06.Access Control

- Access to systems and data must be based on least privilege

- Strong authentication (e.g., passwords, MFA) is required

- User access must be reviewed regularly

- Accounts must be disabled upon termination

07.Data Classification

Data must be classified as:

- Public

- Internal

- Confidential

- Highly Confidential (e.g., patient records)

Handling requirements must align with classification level.

08.Data protection

- Personal and health data must be encrypted at rest and in transit

- Data must be stored securely and backed up regularly

- Data retention and disposal must follow legal and regulatory requirements

09.Acceptable use

- Systems must be used for authorized business purposes only

- Users must not install unauthorized software

- Users must not share credentials

10.Incident Management

- All security incidents must be reported immediately

- Incidents must be investigated and documented

- Corrective actions must be implemented

11.Network Security

- Firewalls and intrusion detection systems must be used

- Networks must be segmented where appropriate

- Remote access must be secured

12.Physical Security

- Access to facilities must be controlled

- Devices must be secured when not in use

- Visitors must be supervised

13.Third-Party-Security

- Third parties must comply with security requirements

- Contracts must include data protection clauses

- Third-party risks must be assessed

14.Compliance

- PLE Health will comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements

- Regular audits and reviews will be conducted

15.Training and Awareness

- Employees must receive regular security training

- Awareness programs must be conducted

16.Business Continuity

- Backup and recovery procedures must be in place

- Disaster recovery plans must be tested regularly

17.Policy Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action

18.Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or upon significant changes.

Document Owner: Information Security Officer