MAY 200 I . VOL 73, NO 5

H E A D Q U A R T E R S R E P O R T

AORN membershb identification changed

rowing concern about identity theft and online privacy has G led AORN to change mem-

bership identification numbers for 78,000 past and current members. This change went into effect April 2,2001.

Like many organizations, AORN long has used members’ social security numbers (SSNs) to identify individual members. This is common practice because the SSN is unique to each US resident; it follows individuals as they move or change jobs, and most people know their SSN. AORN always has emphasized confidentiality and member pri- vacy when using a member’s SSN.

IDENTITY THEFT Five years ago, identity thefi

was a little known term. With the increased popularity of the Internet and unsecured access to personal information, however, identity theft has become a very real concern. Armed with an indi- vidual’s name, date of birth, and SSN. anyone can open a new credit card account in that individ- ual’s name. The Federal Trade Commission describes identity theft as the fastest growing crime of our time.’ According to the

NOTES

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 500,000 to 700,000 people were victims of this crime in 2000.’

AORN wants to lead the way in protecting the privacy of its members; therefore, the Associa- tion developed a plan to elimi- nate the use of SSNs within its business systems. Beginning April 2,2001, members and oth- ers no longer are asked to pro- vide their SSN to receive contact hour credit, access member-only portions of AORN Online, or apply for membership.

THE PASSCODE AORN will begin using a

unique, computer-generated, six- digit number to identify members and customers. This new identifi- cation number (ie, passcode) start- ed appearing on membership cards in July 2000. It replaced the SSN on contact hour scan sheets, Home Study Programs in the AORN Journal, and other AORN forms, beginning in April 2001. After a 12-month transition peri- od, AORN will completely remove the SSN From its cus- tomer database.

bers will be remembering this new passcode, especially when their brains already are clogged

The challenge for many mem-

with telephone numbers, personal identification numbers, and lock- er combinations. Short of tattoo- ing it on the hand, there are three easy ways for members to find their passcode. Members who recently renewed their member- ships will find the six-digit num- ber labeled “passcode” on their membership cards. Members also may visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org. If they attempt to enter a member-only page, they will be asked if they need their member number and/or passcode. If members choose this option, they will need to enter their last name, home telephone number, and e-mail address. Within minutes, the passcode will be e-mailed to the member.

customer service, between 8 AM and 4:30 PM mountain standard time, and an AORN staff member will give them their passcode. Al- though it will take all of us time to get accustomed to this new passcode, the peace of mind that comes from knowing that, at least at AORN. your personal informa- tion is secure should make any inconvenience tolerable.

Additionally, members can call

BOB OAUEN lNFoRMNlON TECHNOLOOV DIRECTOR

house, http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/wcr.htm (accessed 1. B Givens, “Identify theft The growing problem of 28 March2001).

wrongful criminal records,” Privacy Rights Clearing- 2. [hid.

896 AORN JOURNAL