Sound Masking
Systems

One of the problems in the workplace today including private offices, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and open plan floors, is the lack of oral privacy. Knowledge of sensitive conversations can cause financial or emotional damage to employees or patrons.

Heathcare Sound Masking Systems
New federal guidelines which are part of the HIPPA regulations require heathcare providers to provide "oral privacy' to patients. Sound masking systems in medical facilities and pharmacies is becoming a requirement to meet the HIPPA regulations. HHS regulations for safeguards 164.530 (c) requires:

1. A covered entity must have in place appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information.

2. Implementation specification: safeguards.
   A covered entity must reasonably safeguard protected health information from any intentional or unintentional use or disclosure that is in violation of the standards, implementation specifications or other requirements of this subpart.

How do you know if you are meeting the requirements? Simply ask yourself these questions.

1. While waiting your turn in the pharmacy or reception lines can you overhear sensitive patient information? 
2. Can seated patients in waiting area hear others as they check in with your receptionist?
3. When you are in examining rooms or private offices with the door closed can you still hear what is going on in the next room?
4. Can you hear conversations through the door from the hallway?
5. As you pass through hallways and other public access area can you hear sensitive conversations between staff members and patients?

If you answered 'YES' to any of the above questions then your facility needs a properly installed sound masking system.

Office & Workplace Sound Masking Systems
Another concern is the loss of employee productivity and accuracy caused by annoyances and distractions. Surveys and studies indicate that a lack of acoustical privacy causes worker productivity losses between 10 and 30 percent while increasing the rate of errors by more than 12 percent. The inability to concentrate prevents workers from getting their work done accurately and quickly. A properly installed sound masking system will not only protect workplace privacy it will increase productivity.