Social Security Numbers and Privacy — New Hospital Policy

THE battle still rages over whether the ubiquitous Social Security numbers should be used as a universal personal identification for all Americans. Many data-system planners continue to advocate its use. Here in Massachusetts, as in many states, it is on the automobile driver's licenses along with his picture. Should it be used in hospitals? Those who argue against that use generally make an argument for privacy that so often seems to be defeated by the obvious lack of privacy in its required use by all employers for Social Security payments and by the general "benefit" said to be accruing through . . .