disciplinary action

I think the question will be whether you can PROVE that you didn't divulge privileged information when you allowed the patient to have access to the book. I work as a surveyor/investigator in mental health for my state and the Feds, and, when we are investigating possible regulation violations, we are not allowed to just accept someone's word for it that they did or didn't do something (like whether you covered up the info related to other patients). There has to be some kind of hard evidence or documentation to back up what the person says.

I know there have been other threads recently about the pros and cons of individual liability insurance, and this is one example of why it's good to have your own liability coverage. Yes, you may want to talk to a lawyer (is your "union representation" a lawyer, or just a steward to appear with you?)

The HIPAA regulations are v. serious business -- I have seen people get fired over first-time violations (I am NOT saying that I am sure you have committed a violation or that you could get fired! :) Just that I have seen it happen in other situations.) What a scary situation for you -- best wishes with the hearing! {{{sjc}}} (Did I do "hugs" right?)

GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT is more like it

Sounds harsh, I know, but it's pretty much true. "Innocent until proven guilty" applies to the criminal justice system, which we are not talking about in this situation. Remember that the purpose of all the state and federal regulations is to protect the public, not healthcare providers. In my agency, we go into the hospital with an open mind and no preconceptions (as much as possible given that we're all human beings ... :) ), and look for evidence or documentation that supports or disproves the allegations. But, as I said, we can't accept someone's say-so as "evidence."

Look at it this way: If a family member of yours were harmed in a hospital and you complained to my agency about it, would you want us to go into the hospital, ask staff about it, and, when they said, "Oh, nooo, we didn't do anything like that ...", say, "Okay then, thanks for clearing that up for us" and be on our way? How good a job of protecting the public would we be doing?

For better or worse (depending on how you look at it), I and the rest of us surveyors are the living embodiment of the old healthcare adage, "If it isn't documented, it didn't happen."

I hope you will get some good advice before the hearing, do everything you can to be prepared, and best wishes for the 18th!! :)