Hospital Access Control Systems Top 12 Keys to Security Success

Top objectives when designing a Hospital Access Control System

Security for healthcare facilities has become increasingly complex for hospital security personnel. One of the foremost challenges that security directors across all industries, but particularly in the healthcare industry, lie in hospital access control systems, where choosing a reliable access control installer can significantly influence long-term security success.

Security teams serve as the gatekeepers to the highly valuable resources inside the hospital’s walls and computing system. They continually seek the latest innovations that not only promise the highest security, but they must also ensure that new technologies are compatible with existing technologies. Further, security personnel must also be sure that healthcare security cameras and all health security access control measures are compliant with HIPAA Checklist.

Thanks to innovative and dedicated security firms working with in tandem hospital security teams in many cases, the challenges become more evident. By understanding the challenges better via research and anecdotal evidence, our own team has come up with the top 12 keys to security in hospitals, so take a few moments to see if any sound familiar.

1. Determine the Current Healthcare Areas and Facilities That Require Security

Knowing the entire area for which you are responsible to develop and maintain hospital security standards is the foundation of your operations. This point is especially important if your hospital covers a large area, whether covering one building or across several smaller spaces. Always remember to include satellite offices when taking inventory.

2. Assess Your Hospital Security Standards and Systems in Place

A thorough, security-focused walk-through of your hospital interior, as well as the hospital grounds and satellite locations, will give you a solid idea of what your facility needs in terms of type and scope of a security system.

Identify all doorways, elevator systems and more heavily restricted areas to report all your needs to your security firm or access control installer, who will supply you with the appropriate equipment and oversee a smooth access control installation.

4. Incorporate Fire Alarm Monitoring into Your Access Control System

Nearly 30 percent of businesses that use an access control system do not incorporate fire alarm monitoring into the system. This gap in security can create hazards that result in the failure of doorways to open in the event of a fire emergency.

6. Include All Exterior Areas Surrounding Your Healthcare Facilities in Your Security Plan

Places like your parking lot or garage, walkways and entryways are all high-risk areas for potential crime, accidents or anything else that the security team should be aware of.

7. Choose Your Card Access Control System

Do you prefer a keyless fob credential or a thumbprint reader? Maybe a card access control system would work best in your facility.

12. Make Sure Your Hospital Security System is Scalable to Meet Your Organization’s Growing Needs

Adaptation and Integration for Today’s Healthcare Organizations

There are many additional keys to security, but these are some of the most pressing, in our experience. Top security firms will always scour your business, from top to bottom and all around, to determine the best security strategy for your healthcare facility.
Each hospital layout, as well as its vulnerabilities and risk factors, is unique and requires keen eyes and innovative minds that specialize in security solutions to protect patients, staff, visitors, delivery personnel, the hospital’s resources and grounds, and the security team itself.