What are the Most Secure Shredder Cut Types Hospitals Should Use for Confidential Patient Documents?

When it comes to choosing high-security shredders for your hospital, Whitaker Brothers has a large selection of shredders with various security levels and cut types. Whatever your shredding requirements are, and whatever regulations you need to adhere to for safeguarding confidential patient documents, such as the Health Insurance and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), our team of experts has got you covered.

What do Level 1-6 and P1-P7 mean?

The security levels of paper shredders are based on the scales 1 through 6, and P-1 through P7. The "P-x" portion of the security level rating refers to paper-based materials. The "Level x" portion of the security level rating refers to the pre-2012 security level standards and is slowly being retired. We have noted them here as a reference for those who may find them helpful. Please also take into account that the levels go from 1-6, while the P goes from 1-7, meaning that there is an overlap with L and P.

What is the lowest shredder security level that your hospital should use to meet HIPAA and FACTA regulations?

When it comes to cut type and shred size, Level 3 / P-4 cross-cut shredders meet the requirements that are laid out in HIPAA and FACTA. HIPAA are a set of federal regulations that govern the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) in the United States. FACTA is a federal law which was designed to enhance consumer protections, particularly concerning identity theft.

These cross-cut shredders produce a paper shred size with a width no greater than 6mm (0.24 in), and a shred size no greater than 160mm2 (0.25 in2).

What is the next stage if a Level 3 / P-4 cross-cut shredder doesn’t quite meet your hospital’s needs?

If you need a shredder with a moderate security level, Level 4 / P-5 micro-cut shredders are ideal for sensitive, but not classified, information. Those who are particularly concerned about the protection of information sometimes choose a Level 4 /P-5 shredder. However, there is a trade-off between shred speed and particle size. With a Level 4 / P-5 micro-cut shredder, you will find a shred width which is no greater than 2mm (0.08 in), and a shred size which is no greater than 30mm2 (0.05 in2). The shred width and shred size of a Level 4 / P-5 micro-cut shredder is smaller than a Level 3 / P-4 cross-cut shredder. The smaller particle size offers more security. Nevertheless, a Level 4 /P-5 micro-cut shredder is slower than a Level 3 / P-4 cross-cut shredder because it takes more time and effort per sheet to cut the documents into much smaller bits.

Should I consider a Level 5 / P-6 micro-cut shredder?

The Level 5 / P-6 micro-cut shredder has a shred size of no greater than 10mm2 (0.02in2), and has a width of no greater than 1mm (0.04in). If you intend to shred information that is sensitive enough to consider using this level of shredder, we would recommend that you look at the highest security shredder level on the market today.

What is the highest shredder security level on the market today?

The Level 6 / P-7 micro-cut shredders are the most advanced machines, and satisfy National Security Agency (NSA) requirements for the destruction of top secret information. It is essentially impossible to reconstruct data that has been shredded with a P-7 security level. These micro cut / high-security shredders have a shred size that is no greater than 5 mm2 (0.01 in2), and a shred width which is no greater than 1 mm (0.04 in).

What options do you have when your hospital department is too busy to shred?

Hospital departments handle high volumes of paperwork containing sensitive patient information. In busy areas like ERs or nursing stations, staff may not have time to shred every document immediately. During peak periods, you can also keep your documents secure until you have time to shred them safely. A standard cupboard or filing cabinet will not necessarily meet security and data handling regulations, especially if it is not lockable. Hospitals and medical care facilities have the option of using waste containers and shredder bins . These temporary storage products meet security regulations by being lockable, and make it impossible to retrieve confidential documents without a key.

High-Security Shredders from Whitaker Brothers

Whitaker Brothers offers various sizes of waste containers and shredder bins , which efficiently secure patient documents. Take a look at our full range of high-security shredders .

Whitaker Brothers' expertise in managing high-security data shows why we pride ourselves in being industry leaders. With over 80 years of experience in data destruction, print finishing, and mailroom equipment, our team of specialists will ensure that your hospital or medical practice will not only purchase a great product, but that you will also have the know-how to keep your data secure.