The key to practice security

Of course, you use keys and locks to keep valuables secure, but you lose some of the benefits if you don't control the keys. Think about these questions to decide whether you need to tighten up security:

1. Where do you store your practice keys? Ask all staff members to return keys to a dedicated rack instead of leaving them lying about. And put your keys under lock and key at the end of the night—you keep the master. Otherwise a thief or vandal, or a wayward employee, could take advantage of your lax policy.

2. What's your key-loaning policy? It's important to track all keys that you've issued, so ask staff members to sign keys out and back in again, and put someone responsible in charge of keeping the log. (You may want to keep this responsibility yourself or delegate it to your manager.) Also think about who really needs access to keys, and limit key privileges to this list of team members. Finally, change the locks when employees leave the practice.

One last note: Your locksmith can stamp "do not duplicate" on your keys, but that doesn't assure that a dishonest employee won't copy the key. However, this step may deter employees who merely want the convenience of another key.

Stephenie Slahor, Ph.D., JD, is a management educator and writer in Palm Springs, Calif.