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Discussion

HIPPA violation

Hello

I work for providence and typed my name into Epic. I did not look at my chart or access information. I got an email that said I accessed my chart and it was cc to manager and it says for manager to follow up on HR guidelines for accessing own chart.

I looked through the HR policies and it says verbal warning all the way to termination for options. This is the first offense and I have never been in any trouble. My manager is off so I cannot ask.

Has anyone ever run into this before? I don't know if I will go to work Monday and be fired or what.

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    Why did you even search for yourself?

    Time to face the consequences whatever they are, sit down with the manager and be honest and hope for the best.

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    • Author
    Why did you even search for yourself?

    Time to face the consequences whatever they are, sit down with the manager and be honest and hope for the best.

    I looked because my dr had told me that they were unable to find me. So I was stupid and looked my name up. Saw it and got out. Yes very stupid. My manager is off. I have emailed and am waiting for reply. I have been honest in my email. No excuses. I was stupid. Wasn't thinking. I also really didn't know just the name was a violation. Now after reading all the HR policies I see it is not ok. Bottom line I was stupid and feel terrible. Have never made a mistake before and hope I don't lose my job over beig so dumb

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    Technically this is not a HIPAA violation, but this is a violation of many facilities' policies. As a side note, at my facility, staff members can look at their own chart, with the exception of mental health tx., substance abuse tx., and HIV test results.

    It sounds like you violated the policy at your facility. When your manager gets back, go to him/her and tell him/her what happened, that you know not to do it again, and then, hopefully, you both can move on. (P.S., let your manager get settled back in--don't break down the door Monday morning…but do go in and be honest about it.)

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    You can't commit a HIPAA violation against yourself. It does violate some employers' (stupid) policies.

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    • Columnist

    Most facilities consider this a serious violation. With any luck, the computer recorded the length of time you were in your chart, which will back up your explanation. Best of luck!! Nurse Beth

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    Most facilities consider this a serious violation. With any luck, the computer recorded the length of time you were in your chart, which will back up your explanation. Best of luck!! Nurse Beth

    Everywhere I've worked it's been completely allowed.

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