would this be a hipaa violation?

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One of my coworkers is very close with one of our residents, theyve just become good friends since my coworker started working there...like they go out to dinner, and talk on the phone ... whatever..

Anyways, this coworker I always overhear her telling this resident about all the other residents!! Like for example: Resident will be like "what was wrong with soandso tonight" And my coworkers will tell her everything right now to the diagnosis!! I feel like Im in a weird position because this resident now expects me to tell her stuff like that too!! And I always say were not allowed, but then she says well "Coworker" tells me! I feel like its not right, but maybe Im wrong.....:eek:

Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Yes, this is a violation and a boundary violation.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

This is so completely, totally, mind boggling WRONG that I can hardly wrap my head around it. This has been going on for a while?

Not only is it unethical behavior on your co-worker's part, it is ILLEGAL. She must know that HIPAA is serious business and must have signed a form at the beginning of her employment agreeing to adhere to HIPAA laws.

I can only sit here and shake my head...UN freaking BELIEVABLE.

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes this is a HIPAA violation. I have residents ask me about other residents all the time especially if they are sick. I always say "soandso is under the weather" and leave it at that. Some times I just flat out say its not my place to discuss other residents personal buisness.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

This is absolutely a HIPAA violation. Tell your friend that she needs to stop immediately, or you will report her. Then if she doesn't stop, report her.

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Specializes in PACU, OR.
This is absolutely a HIPAA violation. Tell your friend that she needs to stop immediately, or you will report her. Then if she doesn't stop, report her.

This was my immediate thought, and if it was an issue just involving the OP and her colleague, it's the route I would have advised. Since there is a third party, ie the patient, involved, I would not suggest it. If any hint leaks out that confidential information has been leaked to a patient, OP's co-worker will be on the mat, and the very strong risk exists that it will then come out that OP knew, but took no action other than to warn her co-worker. Worst case scenario, both get fired.

The only other route that the OP can take is to do absolutely nothing, and pretend to be blind and deaf.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

Good grieve, do we really need HIPAA to tell us that this is inappropriate, unprofessional and completely unreasonable?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
That is absolutely a HIPPA violation. Staff should in no way be telling a patient about other patients. Not appropriate. This should be addressed with the person who is in violation. Does this person understand HIPPA?

Although the OP has it correct.........

It's my pet Peeve...it's HIPAA :smackingf The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 NOT HIPPA..........:spbox: ....Thanks I'm done.....:rolleyes:

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Specializes in LTC.
Although the OP has it correct.........

It's my pet Peeve...it's HIPPA :smackingf The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 NOT HIPPA..........:spbox: ....Thanks I'm done.....:rolleyes:

Ummmm...you do realize that you also spelled it "HIPPA" the first time? :p:yeah: Sorry couldn't resist! :heartbeat:lol2:

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Specializes in Medicine.
Although the OP has it correct.........

It's my pet Peeve...it's HIPPA :smackingf The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 NOT HIPPA..........:spbox: ....Thanks I'm done.....:rolleyes:

Lol but you made the same error too!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Ummmm...you do realize that you also spelled it "HIPPA" the first time? :p:yeah: Sorry couldn't resist! :heartbeat:lol2:

:hhmth::hhmth::hhmth:My bad......that's what I get for typing while waiting or a train!!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

A word of advice........don't climb on a soap box while waiting for a train!!!!!!

Thanks to all my AN freinds for the friendly poke!!!!

Never sneaka text while waiting for a train....LOL

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A word of advice........don't climb on a soap box while waiting for a train!!!!!!

Thanks to all my AN freinds for the friendly poke!!!!

Never sneaka text while waiting for a train....LOL

Thanks for taking the ribbing well. We all love you!

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