HIPAA

[angbillville]

I have a question regarding a HIPAA violation, and I am wondering if anyone may have some experience or expertise in this area. I work in a large hospital, and I believe I am allowed to access my own medical record. However, I asked a co-worker to access my medical record via text message. I offered to give her a text pic of written consent giving her permission to access my record, but my co-worker declined and said she felt comfortable doing it for me without the text pic. I specifically wanted results of my MRI report because my back was hurting and my doctor's office was closed the next day. My co-worker did access my account and HR contacted her saying it was a HIPAA violation. What I would like to know is if a text message is considered "written" permission to access my records? Can either she or I get into trouble or possibly lose our jobs or nursing license over this matter? Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Our facility is located in the State of Delaware.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

A text message is not an official hospital form. Unfortunately I think a hard lesson is going to be learned here.