What happened to HIPAA

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

We've all been following the mining accident and tragedy. I was just wondering what happened to the survivors privacy rights. We are all concerned etc and most of us are tuning into find out how he is doing etc, but when did he or his family agree to the every five minute updates on his medical condition.

Not just this case, but look at just about every big media event.

[HyperRNRachel]

We've all been following the mining accident and tragedy. I was just wondering what happened to the survivors privacy rights. We are all concerned etc and most of us are tuning into find out how he is doing etc, but when did he or his family agree to the every five minute updates on his medical condition.

Not just this case, but look at just about every big media event.

The family most likely signed a consent allowing basic medical information related to the event to be given to the media. In emergency situations the form is signed by the patient, the next of kin, or the person who is allowed to make the determination allowing or not allowing information to be given to the media.

[CuriousMe]

We've all been following the mining accident and tragedy. I was just wondering what happened to the survivors privacy rights. We are all concerned etc and most of us are tuning into find out how he is doing etc, but when did he or his family agree to the every five minute updates on his medical condition.

Not just this case, but look at just about every big media event.

I saw the press conference this morning that his Doc gave. The first words out of the Doc's mouth were that the patient's family had asked him to come and let the press know his status.....so I'm guess they've given consent.

Peace,

Cathie

[MMARN, BSN, RN]

I saw the press conference this morning that his Doc gave. The first words out of the Doc's mouth were that the patient's family had asked him to come and let the press know his status.....so I'm guess they've given consent.

Peace,

Cathie

Yep. That's pretty much what I was going to say, too.

[MarcusKspn]

Interesting info that I learned while working with the ambulance:

HIPAA only applies to agencies that recieve compensation for medical care. As the ambulance service we were not allowed to give any kind of information to the press or anybody else that was asking. The Fire Department who First Responds for us and has their own EMT's and Paramedics who assist us on most calls do not bill for their services, and therefore do not have to comply with any privacy laws. I was always wondering why the cops and firemen were always on the news running their mouth regarding people medical conditions.