hipaa violation???

[sleepdeprivation]

Is it ok to for employers to make nurses leave documentaion where anyone, including family members can read it? We do this where I work and I think it violates the hipaa regs. Anyone have an opinion?

[obnurse1245]

No pull down things. These are folder holders on the wall. Open and not locked. We have told our managers and CNO that we feel we are violating hipaa but they seem not to care. Also we are now doing hand off reports in patients rooms, in front of patients and whoever else is there.

Many hospitals are starting to go to bedside reports. Just ask the patient if they are ok with you discussing their care while visitors are in the room. Then they have the choice of asking their visitors to leave or not.