Home Health & Hospice Week

HIPAA:

Real-World Cases Highlight Dangers of Privacy Violations

Nurses take heat for online privacy violations. Looking for cautionary scenarios to keep everyone on their toes privacy-wise? Three recent events provide a heads up about the potential for major HIPAA snafus -- and how to prevent similar problems on your watch. Scenario No. 1: Online Postings Cross The Privacy Line In June, several hospital nurses employed by Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, Calif. found themselves in HIPAA trouble for allegedly posting patient care-related information on Facebook, according to an article in the North County Times. The state health department is now investigating the incident, according to news accounts. While a pending investigation and hearing may exonerate the nurses, the take-home message is clear: Be careful what you post. And realize that you can't ever expect privacy in cyberspace, says Jim Sheldon-Dean, principal and director of compliance services for Lewis Creek Systems in Charlotte, Vt. "Facebook and Twitter, etc., are useful [...]
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