Are call backs HIPAA violations?

[pm2rn]

The ER I work at is now making us do callbacks of all discharged patients from the day before. Is this a form of a HIPAA violations or just something I really hate to do? We have to leave messages if the patient is not home. What is the patient did not want anyone else in the house knowing they went to the ER. My coworker called a family and the patient died after being discharged at home. Just wanted someone's thought on the subject.

[Larry77, RN]

We have to call back all our positive CX if they are resistant to the ABX we gave or they weren't treated...my least favorite thing to do as charge...ugh. BTW I don't leave any info except my name and title and to have them call me back on machines....

[RN2be_07]

Well 1st they are a big waste of time and if the hospital wants them done nurses shouldnt be made to do it.

2ndly I would worry about HIPPAA violations if you call saying they were at the hospital even because sometimes people dont want others to know they were even in the hospital. I would just say "Hi this is so-so, a nurse at so-so hospital and I would like to ask you a few questions, please call me back at . . . " It is very vague but even saying something about 'asking you about your stay/your child's stay, etc." gets slippery - I never felt comfortable doing it for that reason and more.