***** Hospital and Healthcare Security, Fifth Edition. By Russell L. Colling, CPP, and Tony W. York, CPP; published by Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann; available from ASIS, item #1871, 703/519-1600,www.asisonline.org; 704 pages; $79 (ASIS members), $87 (nonmembers).

Hospital and Healthcare Security has served as an industry resource since its first publication several decades ago. In the fifth edition, coauthors Russell Colling and Tony York carry on that tradition.

Almost a decade has passed since the last edition was published, and many changes have occurred in the healthcare industry. The newest edition of the book addresses all the recent changes in health­care security. It also updates all of the information presented in previous editions and incorporates new standards developed by organizations like the International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety, ASIS International and the Joint Commission.

Information pertaining to risk and vulnerability, security attire, security equipment, employee security awareness, and electronic security system integration has been completely revised. Moreover, the authors delve into new topics, including ID theft and terrorism, performance expectations, and Tasers.

Although the title of the book represents the notion that it covers all facets of healthcare security, there is no specific information on the special security needs related to nursing homes and long-term care institutions, something the coauthors should consider when drafting the next edition.

Hospital and Healthcare Security is clearly a useful book for persons working in the healthcare security field or anyone who wants to know the basic principles of healthcare security. This newest edition is the best single resource for the healthcare security practitioner.

Reviewer: Bernard Scaglione, CPP, CHPA (Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator), is director of security for New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He is vice chair of the ASIS International Healthcare Security Council.