HIPAA violation if an old friend?

[Wayne2-49t9-359-3]

Hello all,

I have an unusual situation come up today. I work for an infusion agency, and I do a lot of the billing. A name came across my desk that I knew, and saw evidence on the paperwork (DOB and address) that confirms it was an old friend of mine from another job. We're only Facebook friends anymore, but I always liked and respected this individual, and we still occasionally write each other via FB. My question is would it be in violation of HIPAA to reach out to see how he is doing?

Thanks

[mindlor]

In short,

yes

[FLArn]

Unless you have access to his phone number or address independent of your access at the workplace then yes it would be a violation.

[mindlor]

It is not tthe address of tele that is in question. it is the specific health information. This would be a violation regardless of prior knowledge of addy and tele. its not worth losing your job over.

[Poi Dog]

Hello all,

I have an unusual situation come up today. I work for an infusion agency, and I do a lot of the billing. A name came across my desk that I knew, and saw evidence on the paperwork (DOB and address) that confirms it was an old friend of mine from another job. We're only Facebook friends anymore, but I always liked and respected this individual, and we still occasionally write each other via FB. My question is would it be in violation of HIPAA to reach out to see how he is doing?

Thanks

_________________________________________________________________

Why not just reach out to this person via Facebook?

Problem solved.

[mindlor]

You can however remember your friend in your prayers without their knowing it

[FLArn]

Mindlor,

I respectfully disagree. If the OP has the person's tele number in her address book from a time when they worked together and seeing this person's name just brought him/her to mind, I see no violation in contacting that person. But ONLY if the contact info was already in the OP's possession independently of her access in the workplace.

[mindlor]

We can agree to disagree. I suggest you read the letter of the law. Now if they call their friend and do not mention the health issue in question, then that is another kettle of fish.

[mindlor]

So the bottomline is this, reach out, but dont mention anything about their health. if they feel as close to you as you feel to them, they will bring up the health issue. if they do not mention the health issues take that as a cue that they wish their health to remain private....

[mindlor]

Do not mention that you came across their name at work etc.....i think you get my drift yes?

[FLArn]

Mindlor, I see your point and that the OP was making contact specifically to inquire about this person's health was not where I was thinking.

To the OP.

If you would have attempted to renew your friendship if you were talking to another friend from your old job and this persons name came up in conversation and have access to contact info that does NOT originate from your job then I see no conflict. However, if it is just an idea because of your coming across his name on the job then no don't do it.

[ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN]

A random facbook message (or wall post) will open up the door. If she chooses to further divulge anything, that's up to her. If her e-mail or phone # is on facebook (some people have it there, others don't), then you can contact her outside of FB. But IMO, it would be violating HIPAA if you spoke of anything specific to her about her health (unless you were privy to information via facebook or one on one).