Does HIPAA apply to famous people?

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Specializes in LTC.

Just was curious if HIPAA applied to famous people. I was just watching a morning news show and there was yet another update on the congresswoman that was shot in the head. Now, please, don't get me wrong. I am glad she is doing well but enough is enough.

Can't the media let her and her family deal with this privately?

Yes, the public is curious and everyone wants to know but that's too bad, its not their business. I am sure her husband had to sign papers before the media released the info they have but even so, should they be allowed? Is the media allowed to cross the HIPAA lines?

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A congresswoman is a public figure.. this is why its the public's business to know and the spouse probably released media rights just out of formality because the entire nation is concerned when the president brings it up during State of Union address.

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Specializes in NICU.

Yes HIPAA applies to famous people. Most hospitals who have a "VIP" patient take even more security precautions than the average patient to make sure privileged info is kept private. Either the patient or their legal representative must give consent or permission for any info or images to be released to the public. I don't see why it shouldn't be allowed for congresswoman Giffords or her husband to release progress of her status, especially when many people are interested to know. When a person decides to pursue a high public profile career (such as entertainer, politician, or CEO, etc.) then they also have to realize people are going to want to know more info about their privacy. The media is not allowed to cross HIPAA lines. The public only knows as much about congresswoman Giffords' care as she or her legal representatives are willing to share.

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The Congresswoman is a public official elected by the people to represent them. There may be a vested interest in her recovery and if someone will take her seat in Congress. The issues she may have been involved with could affect others directly or indirectly. For this reason also, as stated in another post, the information released may be very controlled.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
Just was curious if HIPPA applied to famous people. I was just watching a morning news show and there was yet another update on the congresswoman that was shot in the head. Now, pls, do not get me wrong. I am glad she is doing so well but enough is enough. Cant the media let her and her family deal with this privately? Yes, the public is curious and everyone wants to know but that too bad, its not their business. I am sure her husband had to sign papers before the media released the info they have but even so, should they be allowed? Is the media allowed to cross the HIPPA lines? Just a thought.

To me, it is not a HIPAA violation as long as all parties agree.

The media, only has access to information that is released to them..so the media has no obligation to not "violate" HIPAA.

You can bet the hospital is paying very close attention to who is accessing the records and some employees have already been terminated for accessing them without a need other than their own curiosity.

As another poster said, it is of interest to the public because should she not be deemed to be able to recover, a special election would have to take place or an appointment (however it gets handled, I have no idea), to replace her.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

HIPAA (one P, two As) laws do not apply to journalists. Only people in healthcare.

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HIPAA regulations only apply to covered entities treating the patient. It does not cover information released by permission of the patient.

What I suspect is that most famous people have public relations people who release updates on behalf of the patient. The providers have nothing to do with it.

People should pay more attention during their HIPAA training.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

There are no HIPPA questions ... only HIPAA questions ... ;)

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.
There are no HIPPA questions ... only HIPAA questions ... ;)

A penny for each time. ;)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Just was curious if HIPPA applied to famous people. I was just watching a morning news show and there was yet another update on the congresswoman that was shot in the head. Now, pls, do not get me wrong. I am glad she is doing so well but enough is enough. Cant the media let her and her family deal with this privately? Yes, the public is curious and everyone wants to know but that too bad, its not their business. I am sure her husband had to sign papers before the media released the info they have but even so, should they be allowed? Is the media allowed to cross the HIPPA lines? Just a thought.

First, it's HIPAA HEALTH INSURANCE PORABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT . Next,the press are not healthcare people involved in a patients care. They can be as nosey as they wish. The reports you hear on the news are pre-approved by the family and the hospital. Such a high profile case is bound to capture everyones attention and yes there are unscurpulous new agencies out there and will lie cheat and steal to get "The Exclusive" over the next guy. We as healthcare providers having access to such personal details and information are obligated by law to protect said information and patient. There are the hospital PR people in constant contact with the family and the Congresses people for periodic updates or changes in her condition. These encounters are well scripted and agre upon by all parties. BUt the news jockey's can glean information from anyone greedy of foolish enough to give it to them. Here are a couple of good links for reference for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_Insurance_Portability_and_Accountability_Act

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/

http://www.hipaa.org/

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
A penny for each time. ;)

If only ... :rolleyes:

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