Co-Workers Read My Medical Files

Published

I recently found out that several of my co-workers accessed and discussed my medical records via our computer system that we use at work (I am an RN in a large area hospital). What should I do? I am being treated as an employee and not as a patient whose privacy has been violated. I was told when I complained that this is a problem that is to be expected among co-workers because we are all "curious". I feel humiliated and violated. Any advice? :confused:

it is not in culture it is against the law

some things you do for yourself, somethings you do for those who come behind you...if this is brushed away then the next person whom they are 'curious' about will be violated also

how far up the ladder was the one who told you that you should expect because 'everybody' is curious...you need to take it to the next level . this is a license losing offense for good reason, anyone should be entitled to privacy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Highly illegal, needs to be corrected immediately. I don't care how shortstaffed they are, that's not your problem, but your privacy is.

They could end up accessing someone's information and turning that person's world totally upside down - what if someone has HIV, a pregnancy termination, stage 3 cancer, etc.? A patient's health records - employee or otherwise - are NOT fodder for the water cooler crowd. I can't believe them. :madface:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

One of the nurses I used to work with on med/tele got fired because she blabbed to all our coworkers that "so and so" (fellow nurse) was having her baby up on the 8th floor and the baby died.

The nurse was told to resign and the fellow nurse was so devastated by her tragedy and the fact that the whole hospital was whispering about it that she never came back to work with us.

There is a reason for HIPPA and breaking it is against the law with a hefty fine.

Pursue this if not for yourself but for those that come behind you.

Personally I am appalled because I am a very private person and I hate it when I have to use my hospital for stuff but due to insurance there is no choice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Absoutely, they should be fired. This is against HIPPA. I have never heard of a hospital that would allow this to go one without the interested party or parties being terminated effective immediately!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm just curious... how did you find out this happened? What your co-workers did was wrong, and they should be punished...I hope this works out for you.

Jennifer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

Sadly, it appears you cannot depend on your hospital to protect your rights as a patient. :madface:Had this happened to a regular patient, it probably wouldn't be as tolerated.

Your coworkers violated HIPAA and there are HUGE fines per occurance. I'd turn them in-you gave the hospital a chance to make this right and they failed miserably. I'd probably talk to a lawyer as well and look for a better class of people to work with.

I know I sound harsh, but at this point, everyone knows about the importance of confidentiality-it's been drilled into our heads enough! No excuse for what your coworkers and hospital did. :nono:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have been told that they will be disciplined but not fired. Too many nurses have quit on our floor and they can't afford to lose anyone else.

I'm just wondering if this is one of the reasons the other nurses have quit?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'd report this incident to the BON. I would also look at reporting the incident to whichever state agency monitors the hospital for licensure reasons.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in icu, er, transplant, case management, ps.
I'd report this incident to the BON. I would also look at reporting the incident to whichever state agency monitors the hospital for licensure reasons.

Finally, someone else says what I was about to post. Not only should this be reported to your states Health Care Administration Agency but all the nurses involved should be reported to the Board Of Nursing. No one, not even your employer, including fellow employees has a right to view your medical records. Nor should anyone involved in your care discuss you with anyone else, including supervisors.

Woody:twocents:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yep...time to lawyer up. There is no excuse for this. Did these employees not sign a HIPAA confidentiality form when hired? Every place I have worked, had to sign one. Where is your compliance officer? If HR won't help, sit in the CEO's office until you can meet with them...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Start a paper trial by sending a written complaint to HR. Report the HIPAA violation to your Compliance and Legal Dept. in writing ASAP as well. gte it out there to a few different departments. I have found Legal Depts. to get the quickest repsonse as they fear a lawsuit.

I would then seek out an attorney ASAP. This is illegal. Your confidentiality has been breached. It shouldn't be swept under the rug. Stand up for yourself and the many that are sure to come behind you if employer doesn't do what's right.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Report, Report, Report -to whomever will listen!!!! This is completely unacceptable!! I would also think about finding a new job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion