Does HIPAA cover patients outside the US?

[McLovin']

I used to have nursing photos during my early years in my country of origin that I still swap online with my colleagues back home. Usually we just bring up old and outdated nursing procedures we did in nursing care through old photos we had.

Would this be included in a potential HIPAA violation? Even though the patient is not a US citizen? Your thoughts?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

HIPAA is a US law, but many other countries have their own privacy laws. I can also insure you that any potential employer that finds out about patient pictures being swapped around won't be impressed, regardless of the legal technicalities of it. Sometimes you need to have your own moral compass outside of laws. How would you feel if you were in those pictures?

[McLovin']

HIPAA is a US law, but many other countries have their own privacy laws. I can also insure you that any potential employer that finds out about patient pictures being swapped around won't be impressed, regardless of the legal technicalities of it. Sometimes you need to have your own moral compass outside of laws. How would you feel if you were in those pictures?

I understand your point. Thanks!