Texas Children's investigates RN for social media HIPAA violation

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

A neurosurgeon reportedly went rogue and posted screen shots to the TCH West of the nurse's posts. Ones she later deleted when she realized she said too much including wanting to swab the child and infect her unvaccinated teenager son. TX antivax FB groups are reportedly conspiring how much to offer for a swab of the toddler.

Texas Children's Hospital nurse investigated for Facebook posting as Houston toddler tests positive for measles | abc13.com

Thing is there were no "measles parties". Homes if those infected with measles were quarantined by the DoH. My mother was of the prevaccine generation born in the late 40's. Remembers classmates with polio and red quarantine signs. Her own home was quarantined when she had scarlet fever.

Measles infection puts one at risk for fatal post measles encephalitis known as Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) years after infection. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

And measles has been shown to likely long term "immune amnesia" where your immunity is wiped out. Long-term measles-induced immunomodulation increases overall childhood infectious disease mortality Long-lasting effects of "immune amnesia" induced by measles | Emory University | Atlanta, GA

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

The FB post where a neurosurgeon (wisely using a pseudonym on social media) contacted TCH it includes the screen shots

Here:

Updated:

As the parent of an immuno-compromised child, I'm so relieved

to know that Texas Children's Hospital took quick action to protect our children, and our community at large, from a potentially deadly measles outbreak; caused by an anti-vax, Pediatric ICU nurse.

Over the weekend, this nurse posted detailed and private health information regarding a young child, suffering with measles, onto a local antivax Facebook group. She then indicated that she "seriously" considered taking a swab from the patients' cheek home with her, so that she could deliborately infect her own 13-year-old son with the potentially deadly disease.

The measles spreads so quickly, this could have resulted in a measles outbreak here in our community.

TCH responded immediately, opening an investigation to protect our community - especially our children. It is fair to say that TCH's quick intervention may have saved lives.

I speak for every parent whose children have been treated by TCH when I say THANK YOU.

With the school year just beginning, I sincerely hope that all hospitals throughout the US take notice of TCH's swift response to a dangerous anti-vax healthcare professional. Any healthcare worker who elects not to vaccinate - places every patient they care for at risk. This weekend TCH demonstrated the hospitals' dedication to protecting it's most vulnerable patients from preventable and deadly diseases.

My heart goes out to the kiddo with measles tonight, he is in our thoughts and prayers, and he is in good hands.

PREVIOUS POST:

It is terrifying that in the pediatric ICU, you have an antivax RN (Britney Bailey) employed. My immunocomprpmised child needs to be protected from vaccine preventable diseases.

Not only has this nurse observed how awful Measles is, she admits to wanting to take a swab from a measles - inflicted child and spread it throughout the community. My child could die if he was ever unfortunate enough to have this nurse care for him.

This is EXACTLY why Measles is making a comeback. There are entire facebook groups in Texas trying to get a sample of this child's measles so they can arrange a measles party (purposefully exposing children to measles for "natural immunity."

[Emergent, RN]

This nurse needs a mental health evaluation. Her line of thinking is bizarre. It makes no sense.

Back in the day, we did purposely expose our kids to chicken pox. I did it with my 4 boys. This was to a) get it over with and b) to make sure they got it all at once, sparing me the inconvenience of having them get it one by one.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

This nurse needs a mental health evaluation. Her line of thinking is bizarre. It makes no sense.

Back in the day, we did purposely expose our kids to chicken pox. I did it with my 4 boys. This was to a) get it over with and b) to make sure they got it all at once, sparing me the inconvenience of having them get it one by one.

Chicken pox yes, measles nope!

My brother had chicken pox in February 2 weeks later my youngest sister got it. 3 weeks later my oldest sister got it. 2.5 weeks later the next to youngest sister got it. Then me in April. My mom was stuck in the house with at least one sick for over 8 weeks. Close quarters but the viral infection made up its own mind

The nurse realized too late that she was wrong, very wrong. This blatant HIPAA violation may go farther than her facility especially if the family chooses to pursue against her individually. There are civil and criminal penalties.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Uh oh!

[Aunt Slappy]

Antivaxers do not belong in nursing. Period.

[Aunt Slappy]

Update, she's not allowed to see patients, investigation is underway. I hope she gets fired AND loses her license!

Texas Children's Hospital nurse investigated for Facebook posting as Houston toddler tests positive for measles | abc13.com

[amoLucia]

If this were a plot on TV's NCIS, CIS, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, etc she would prob be charged with some kind of federal bioterrorism threat.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

The anti-vaccine status notwithstanding this woman posted sufficient information to identify this ill child. Location, diagnosis, status, the fact he had overseas travel, gender, place in the hospital. Major social media and HIPAA violation.

Then had the audacity to state she wanted to swab this terrified child in pain and infect her son and possibly others.

[MunoRN, RN]

I haven't actually seen any mention of a HIPAA violation in the reporting, and it doesn't appear the nurse revealed the child's identity. The issue appears to be more with the fact the nurse who's employer is identifiable was spouting anti-vax rhetoric on social media, which hospitals don't generally tolerate.

[ponymom]

Another Fakebook Dumbass

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Another Fakebook Dumbass

Amen!