LA County DHS Remote PC Access | Virtual Desktop for Staff
Quick Summary
- DHS staff remote access
- Uses VDI and VMWare
- Accesses ORCHID, work apps
- Strict data security
- Contact helpdesk for VDI
The LA County Department of Health Services (DHS) provides a dedicated remote access portal, myremotepc.dhs.lacounty.gov, designed for its authorized staff, residents, and employees. This digital portal enables secure connection to your virtual work environment, ensuring that critical tasks can be performed efficiently from various locations. It's an indispensable tool for accessing vital resources and managing patient information.
Through this platform, users can securely connect to their workstation, which includes the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system known as ORCHID. The system relies on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to deliver a seamless and familiar desktop experience, empowering healthcare professionals to maintain productivity and provide essential services.
This comprehensive overview provides all the necessary details for optimizing your experience with the remote access system, from initial setup to security best practices.
- 📋 Preparing Your System for Virtual Desktop Access
- 📍 Accessing Your Remote DHS Workstation
- ⭐ Exploring Available Virtual Workstation Resources
- ⚠️ When Your Virtual Desktop Won't Connect
- 🔒 Maintaining Confidentiality on Your Remote Device
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Answers for Remote Access Users
Preparing Your System for Virtual Desktop Access
- Users must download and install VMWare for their specific operating system (PC or Mac) to facilitate the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) connection. Specific installation instructions are typically provided to guide you through this process.
- Authorization is required to access the electronic health record (EHR) system, ORCHID. This access is granted to approved DHS staff and residents.
- Completion of mandatory ORCHID training, which includes online modules, video-based lessons, and in-classroom sessions, is a prerequisite for system access.
- Users need a valid C-number (contract employee number) and an associated HOSTED account and password, which are fundamental for identity verification and secure digital portal entry.
Accessing Your Remote DHS Workstation
- Begin by navigating to the official remote access portal: https://myremotepc.dhs.lacounty.gov (or https://mydesktop.dhs.lacounty.gov).
- After successfully installing VMWare, use the provided link to initiate your login to the remote desktop environment.
- Once you have logged into the DHS network remotely via VDI, open the PowerChart application to access the ORCHID Electronic Health Record system.
- The login interface typically features fields for a User Name and Password. Ensure your web browser supports JavaScript and meets the compatibility requirements (e.g., Internet Explorer 8+, Firefox 3.6.25+, Chrome 15+, Safari 5.1.3+).
Exploring Available Virtual Workstation Resources
- Full access to the ORCHID Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, allowing for comprehensive patient data management and review.
- The capability to conduct televisits remotely, expanding care delivery options for patients.
- Access to specialized workstation applications, such as Synapse, which is essential for radiology and imaging services.
- Integration with your DHS work email for professional communication and organizational updates.
- Support for other crucial applications including MS Teams for collaboration, eConsult for outpatient referrals, the ORCHID Discern Reporting Portal for patient sign-outs, and Imprivata OneSign for streamlined authentication. Additional resources like Dragon Medical One (DMO), Dragon Medical Advisor (DMA), Office 365 (optional), UpToDate, and Doximity for faxes may also be available.
When Your Virtual Desktop Won't Connect
⚠️ Unable to connect to ORCHID remotely
Cause: An outdated or incompatible VMWare installation might be preventing a successful connection.
Solution: If you experience connectivity issues, uninstall any older versions of VMWare and install the latest recommended version as per the official instructions. This often resolves compatibility challenges with the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
⚠️ No password or need for a password reset
Cause: This typically occurs during your initial setup or if you have forgotten your password for your C-number/HOSTED account.
Solution: If you have not received a password, or if you need to reset an existing one, guidance for password resets is usually provided during your orientation week for new employees and residents.
⚠️ Issues with VDI Access Form submission or modification
Cause: You may need to request new VDI access or modify your existing access permissions.
Solution: For any VDI-related access requests, or to modify an existing connection, email the completed VDI form directly to [email protected]. Ensure you include 'County VDI Form' in your email's subject line to expedite processing.
Maintaining Confidentiality on Your Remote Device
- 🔒 Always protect all health information accessed through the remote portal. This includes patient data and sensitive organizational details.
- 🔒 Strictly prohibit others from accessing health information using your credentials or device. Your access is personal and confidential.
- 🔒 Never leave your workstation or mobile device unattended or unsecured while logged into the remote environment. Always lock your screen or log out when stepping away.
- 🔒 Adhere to all DHS policies, including DHS Policy No. 361.23, Safeguards for Protected Health Information (PHI), which outlines comprehensive measures for protecting confidential data.
- 🔒 Be aware that all requests for remote access require signing a DHS Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and the Los Angeles County Acceptable Use Agreement, underscoring your commitment to data privacy and responsible system use.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For assistance with VDI access or related technical issues, please contact [email protected].
Answers for Remote Access Users
Q: What is myremotepc.dhs.lacounty.gov used for?
This portal provides authorized LA County Department of Health Services (DHS) staff, residents, and employees with secure remote access to their virtual work environment, including the ORCHID Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and various workstation applications.
Q: Do I need special software to use the remote PC portal?
Yes, to utilize the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), users are typically required to download and install VMWare software compatible with their operating system (PC or Mac) before they can connect to the remote workstation.
Q: How do I get authorization for remote access to the DHS network?
To obtain or modify remote access, you must complete a VDI Access Form. This form needs to be reviewed by a Facility Security Officer and approved by the Facility CIO/Designee. Once completed, it should be submitted to [email protected].
Q: Can I access patient medical records through this system?
Yes, the portal grants access to critical clinical systems like the ORCHID Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other applications such as Synapse. Users are mandated to protect all health information and strictly maintain confidentiality to ensure patient privacy.
Wrap Up
The myremotepc.dhs.lacounty.gov portal is a vital resource for LA County DHS personnel, providing essential remote access to their clinical and administrative tools. By understanding the system's requirements, following secure login procedures, and adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines, users can ensure a productive and secure remote work experience. Should you encounter any challenges, the dedicated helpdesk is available to assist, ensuring seamless operation of this critical digital portal.