Clinical Secure Messaging (CSM)

Instant messaging refers to a group of, usually informal, person-to-person communications applications optimized for exchange of short text, and possibly attachments, as might support a 'chat'. Clinical secure messaging extends instant messaging with sufficient encryption and user-validation protections to satisfy requirements for secure transmission of communications from one authenticated user to another in support of health care services.

CSM stores messages on a secure server, avoiding electronic mail relay and storage technologies. CSM is further distinguished by its ability to handle sender/recipient identification, consent-to-share, message receipts, message alerts, non-repudiation, encryption, tracking, auditing, archive and other functions required or implied by legislation for electronic transmission of identifiable health information.