VA Taking it Slow on iPads, iPhones

In October, the Department of Veterans Affairs will launch a go-slow approach to enabling physicians and others to use Apple iPhones and iPads for limited purposes. Eventually the VA expects to offer an "apps store" that will provide applications approved for use within the department, Roger Baker, the VA's CIO, said during a news media conference call Sept. 28.

But until those apps are ready, a limited number of VA staff members will use the smart phones and tablets primarily for encrypted e-mail and as viewers to access a VA clinical information system, but not to store patient information. "We're being careful to not increase our breach exposure as we roll these devices out," Baker said...