HIPPA question

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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Hello, I hope someone can clarify this. Is it in violation of the HIPPA law if I notify my sister of her grandsons condition. My nephew sent me an email stating his son has a hernia and hemorrhoids. I tried to gain more information in two emails since but he will not talk of the child. Because of money, I think he has not visited a doctor. He lives in another state. I think their is a fine line here between being a pt advocate for the 3yr old and crossing that HIPPA line. If I don't talk with the grandmother (My sister) and see what is being done, can this be neglect? The father is the lets see if in time, if it goes away type.

Any thoughts

Thank you

Dabuggy

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Specializes in ER.

If you aren't the nurse confidentiality laws don't apply to you. You can talk to anyone you chose.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

If your knowledege of the childs health is per email from another family member or even just another acquantance it does not fall under HIPPA.

If you are employed by the system where he is a patient and you relay the information without the express permission of the patient or his guardians that is a whole other story.

Just because you are a nurse does not make hippa apply to all situations.

Good luck

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Thank you both for the replies. Understand it now.

Dabuggy

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