Hipaa

We have a form which designates a family member or friend to be the point person with whom medical info is discussed if the pt is unable. If the pt is mentally competent we are required to have the pt's permission to speak with friends /family members about their medical info.

Too bad there's no "cut and dried" policy with regard to Hipaa...just last week when my wife was a patient, I called to speak to her nurse and inquire about her condition and she gave me that "I can't talk to you about her condition" crap, even though it is very clear in her chart that I am to be kept informed as treatment progressed.

Can you say ....well...let's just say I cleared that one up on the day shift. It didn't help that the nurse was a total b about it either.

vamedic4

I want some advice from other nurses on possible HIPAA violation. Ok, so heres what has happened. I am a recovering nurse. I am in IPN for opiate abuse. When you are in IPN, you are required to attend weekly support groups. When I joined my group, I introduced myself and told my story. Afterwards, I overheard some of the nurses talking about my last hospital stay and private details about it that only the care givers taking care of me should have known. I was completely humiliated. I know that these nurses work at the hospital that I was in and none of them were directly involved in my patient care. I am NOT looking for a law suit or even to get anyone in trouble. I just want some advice on how to handle this situation because I am embarrassed and I feel very violated. I also want to remind other nurses reading this about why HIPAA is so important, because when it is broken, it really affects the person violated.

I want some advice from other nurses on possible HIPAA violation. Ok, so heres what has happened. I am a recovering nurse. I am in IPN for opiate abuse. When you are in IPN, you are required to attend weekly support groups. When I joined my group, I introduced myself and told my story. Afterwards, I overheard some of the nurses talking about my last hospital stay and private details about it that only the care givers taking care of me should have known. I was completely humiliated. I know that these nurses work at the hospital that I was in and none of them were directly involved in my patient care. I am NOT looking for a law suit or even to get anyone in trouble. I just want some advice on how to handle this situation because I am embarrassed and I feel very violated. I also want to remind other nurses reading this about why HIPAA is so important, because when it is broken, it really affects the person violated.

If I understand correctly: you were a patient in the hospital that you are now working in as a RN? I am also not sure what IPN is? Maybe like TPAPN- Texas Peer Assisted Program (nurse recovery in Texas)

Yes, this was a total HIPAA violation. The details of your previous admission are none of their business. I am sorry that this happened. It sounds like you are trying to get your life back in order. I think you are very brave for picking up your boots straps and marching into work there everyday.

I understand you are embarrassed and do not want to make waves and get others in trouble. But, I really think those nurses need to be held accountable. This is very unprofessional. I wish you would find someone (supervisor) to confide in.

:hug: