I am being accused by my employer that I violated HIPAA. I filed a complaint with Dept of Public Health/Board of Nursing against my previous boss, who has been terminated, as she was most likely (which is why the complaint was filed) forging nurses signatures and altering patient records.
As part of the complaint form provided by DPH, it states to send "attach copies of documents such as: witness statements, medical records, copies of prescriptions, photographs etc that support your statements."
I faxed medical records--- nursing notes and medication lists. I blacked out ALL pt identifying information and actually wrote that I had blacked these items out to protect patient confidentiality.
Did I violate HIPAA? I feel as though this is retaliation for reporting. I also know that other nurses whom I work with filed complaints and faxed in medical records also.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Don't you just love lying fools? Pile of papers to intimidate you? Couldn't he at least be a little more creative?
Sounds like you are on solid ground right now and the "HIPAA complaint" is little more than a smoke screen to try and intimidate you into rescinding your complaint. If the DPH/BON contacts you again, you might just want to advise them of 'Bill's' intimidation tactics which can be construed as witness tampering in some states.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
Don't you just love lying fools? Pile of papers to intimidate you? Couldn't he at least be a little more creative?
Sounds like you are on solid ground right now and the "HIPAA complaint" is little more than a smoke screen to try and intimidate you into rescinding your complaint. If the DPH/BON contacts you again, you might just want to advise them of 'Bill's' intimidation tactics which can be construed as witness tampering in some states.