January 5, 2007

New year, new computer password

Beginning in January, all MGH employees and professional staff will need to change their password used to log on to any Partners network computer. The Partners password will expire every 180 days (or six months). To help employees make this change, the MGH is implementing a Password Self Service system so that employees can create and manage their Partners passwords.

Starting Jan. 24, MGH employees will be selected in phases to participate in the system using an application called MYProfile. Employees will receive e-mail messages with their password expiration date and instructions about registering and creating their Partners password in MYProfile.

Will changing my password be difficult?
MYProfile is easy to use and will lead employees through a few prompts to create a Partners password. The new Partners password will need to be at least eight characters and contain at least one alpha and one numeric character.

Employees will need to create a new Partners password before the expiration date.
If a password is not selected before the expiration date, the user will be locked out of the Partners network. Several e-mail reminders will be sent to employees prior to the password expiration date. Employees will be able to change their Partners password at any time without assistance from the Help Desk.

Why are all of the Partners hospitals changing passwords?
Partners hospitals are implementing this new password system, which is similar to what other organizations provide, to ensure that employees' computer systems are protected from security breaches such as identity theft. Using this new Partners Password Self Service system will put all Partners institutions in line with HIPAA guidelines and industry standards that call for stronger security practices.

Will the new Partners password be used for other applications like POE and BICS?
No, passwords for clinical applications - now called 'keys' - will remain the same. The five- or six-digit key for clinical applications (examples listed below) will remain the same for signing purposes and will no longer be used as a password to a Partners network computer.

Major computer systems where a key is used: LMR, PAML, POE/COE, PEDI Web Consent, QACT Linkdown, OR Scheduling, Dynamic Scheduling, Nursing Periop, PATA OR Stats, Periop Print, Block Manager, PrefCard and PICK List.

How can I get more information about changing my password using the
new system?
For a list of frequently asked questions, visit helpdesk.partners.org/passwordselfservice.htm. For specific questions about the new system, call the Help Desk at (617) 726-5085.