Sample: Computer usage policy

Owners and managers long to believe they're not responsible for overseeing employees' Internet use. That line of thinking is misguided and it places the practice at potential risk. To get started safeguarding your practice-and employees-ask yourself about the ABCs of electronic use to ensure you're covering all the angles.

A-Assess. What technology issues do you have at work? It's not just Web surfing. You also need to think about Instant Messaging, e-mail, social networking sites, blogging, eBay, and file downloading.

B-Business need. What does the practice need electronically to stay competitive, communicate with clients, attract new clients and streamline day-to-day operations?

C-Create a plan and policy. Establish a plan to use technology to benefit the practice and write policies that clearly define acceptable behavior and the consequences of putting the practice at risk.

Click here to download a sample plan.