HIPAA:
Real-World Cases Highlight Dangers of Privacy Violations
Published on Wed Jun 09, 2010
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 [...]