Hipaa violation

Published

I have never been in trouble ever with an employer until now. I work Homecare and became really comfortable and said some things I shouldn't have said. A mother of a patient was always talking about everything for 2 hours straight when I arrived at her home. I know her personal life and problems. Well I mentioned another patient I have a baby, vent, trach, g.t, without name or diagnosis but lives in so-so city in another mention of my ride home. This person has gotten a few nurses fired when she gets angry and she is angry with me for mentioning this.

Does anyone know what consequences I should expect when meeting with human resource?

Will be his effect my license?

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Specializes in Oncology.

It doesn't sound like a hipaa violation to me. There is no identifying information. City is pretty broad, and the treatments you describe are fairly typical for a home care patient.

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I have to report to HR Tuesday before work for "hipaa violation"

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The SN parent community is small especially within an agency. You revealed way too much for working in private duty. The most I've said is I forget how much tinier infant equipment is, elementary school kiddo's suction catheters look like garden hoses. The mom laughed. If an infant and other nurses on your case have said similar you are all likely in trouble. Never even talk in generalities with a parent like this. Two hours about her child & family means she wants you to listen. Smile, nod, talk about the weather...never about other clients. Ever. If she's this chatty and complains to the office you never know

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Of course I am aware of this. My mention of her talking was just how this happened. She asks a lot of questions and didn't wasn't bothered by this when I mentioned it. She gets mad the supervisors tell her what employees ( nurses) say about her such as how she complains about all the nurses. This is why she found something to get me in trouble for. So back to the question. Is this a violation that will effect my license?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

No one can say for absolute certainty but commonly known identifiers were not stated. Depending on what was said it may be considered an ethical violation discussing general information not necessary with a patient's family. You can check the US DHHS websites for common scenarios of violations.

Do you have liability/malpractice insurance? Most have a HIPAA rider now and may offer help.

You may want to seek another case

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@betty52, it's not in your best interest to discuss patient/family complaints in public, if the mom is angry at you for mentioning another patient, think of how she may react if she sees that you are discussing the matter on an public forum.

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Specializes in ER, Med/Surg.

Doesn't sound like a violation to me either. People often times over generalize what hipaa says and means.

I'd school myself on exactly what hipaa DOES say so you can defend yourself in the meeting.

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There is absolutely no information that leads to her here. I am glad the responses do not see it as a violation. Work on the other hand does so that's what matters...always another job. And I don't talk about patients. This person brings this out in people. Real friendly talking about everything and then gets mad at you and finds something to get you in trouble for. It wasn't right, but I go to other homes and have never accident ally mentioned anything about other patients. Oh well...still my fault but I feel better that at worst I am fired

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I did! I took a hipaa basic through vce yesterday and recipient rights....thanks

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Yes I have insurance

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Yes I have insurance

Call them. They can coach you through meeting at work

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