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Page 4 of 22 City of Lake Elmo Data Practices Policy 01/03/2024 All City of Lake Elmo users, including employees, volunteers and contractors, who have rights to access or modify city information in any media, or who use city computers, business applications or electronic communication resources, must comply with Lake Elmo Information Policy, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and all other laws or rules governing the protection of data. Failure to comply is grounds for sanction and/or disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, cancellation of contract and/or loss of resource privileges. Failure to comply may also result in notification to law enforcement officials and regulatory, accreditation and licensure organizations. Use of any City of Lake Elmo information technology devices will be limited to employees. All files of any kind, including electronic mail disseminated or received utilizing city devices or software or which resides on computers within the City of Lake Elmo should not be considered as private and employees shall have no expectation of privacy. The contents of electronic mail will not normally be monitored, censured, or otherwise examined unless there is reason to believe the usage is being abused. City investigations, law enforcement investigations, or court order or data practices request may require the examination and release of any file or document, including electronic files such as electronic mail. Electronic Mail (Email): Purpose of Email: the email system is a tool to be used for matters directly related to the business activities of city employees and as a means to further the mission by providing services that are efficient, accurate, timely and complete. Public Nature of Email: email is a public record like any other public document. Email may be searched for evidence in any legal proceeding. By using the email system, the employee consents that in the event of suspicious activity their email system may be searched for evidence gathering purposes. E-mail messages are subject to regulation under the Minnesota Data Practices Act. As such, all e-mails unless private (content determines public or private) should be considered public information. Policy: employees are responsible for adhering to business standards when email is created, sent, forwarded or saved. Failure to adhere puts the organization and the individual at risk for legal or financial liabilities, potential embarrassment and other consequences. Employees should not keep e-mail for an extended period of time. If it is a critical e-mail