Thank you for this website. This is my first post. My problem is quite lenghty, but I would appreciate ANY advice, input you could offer.
My 6yo stepdaughter came to my house for her scheduled visit and told us she was seen in the ER for pill "poisoning" earlier in the week and Children's services were involved. Not a word from her mother about this. NOTE: we have shared parenting and I have a signed consent from her father for complete care of the child.
I work at a physicians office and our computer is connected to the hospital computer. I obtained a copy of that report in order to make sure she did not need any medical follow up while she was in my care. I asked our secretary to print it for me and I secured the document immediately.
My office discovered this and immediately labeled it a HIPAA violation. The secretary was minimally disciplined. My evaluations are perfect, never been disciplined. This is what my employer has done to me:
- seized the otherwise secure document, made me sign an acknowlegement, or be fired, and return the document with signed acknowlegement to the hospital (I had to give it to an administrator at my work)
- sent me home 1/2 day, but instructed me to return to work the next day
- let me work the full shift, then sent me home for an additional 3 days until the Board of Directors could make a decision on how to discipline me. This 3days fell over a weekend which was in fact 5 days wondering what they were going to do, specifically concerned about termination.
- then went to work to be told I would be suspended an additional 7days (all without pay)
- I would have to be on 2 years probation and any further disciplinary action would result in termination
- I had to sign that plan for discipline or be fired
- report of my discipline was forwarded to the hospital "so they will know we took this seriously"
- I would have to sign a re-entry agreement (whatever that is) or my suspension will continue until further action by the Board of Directors.
- Furthermore, my license regulatory board was notified
I am so angry and hurt. The financial strain and emotional stress they have placed on me seems to be so unjust.
There response is, "well, at least we let you keep your job. we could have fired you".
I want paid for those days off and I want that taken out of my personnel file - I must continue working there until the regulatory board finished their investigation and until I can recover financially, but I am really lacking a desire to do the "above and beyond" work my employer has grown to expect from me.
Is this truly a HIPAA violation by me?
Are my employers actions excessive to the point that I can seek reimbursement or even make them accountable for these actions?
Thank you
My 6yo stepdaughter came to my house for her scheduled visit and told us she was seen in the ER for pill "poisoning" earlier in the week and Children's services were involved. Not a word from her mother about this. NOTE: we have shared parenting and I have a signed consent from her father for complete care of the child.
I work at a physicians office and our computer is connected to the hospital computer. I obtained a copy of that report in order to make sure she did not need any medical follow up while she was in my care. I asked our secretary to print it for me and I secured the document immediately.
My office discovered this and immediately labeled it a HIPAA violation. The secretary was minimally disciplined. My evaluations are perfect, never been disciplined. This is what my employer has done to me:
- seized the otherwise secure document, made me sign an acknowlegement, or be fired, and return the document with signed acknowlegement to the hospital (I had to give it to an administrator at my work)
- sent me home 1/2 day, but instructed me to return to work the next day
- let me work the full shift, then sent me home for an additional 3 days until the Board of Directors could make a decision on how to discipline me. This 3days fell over a weekend which was in fact 5 days wondering what they were going to do, specifically concerned about termination.
- then went to work to be told I would be suspended an additional 7days (all without pay)
- I would have to be on 2 years probation and any further disciplinary action would result in termination
- I had to sign that plan for discipline or be fired
- report of my discipline was forwarded to the hospital "so they will know we took this seriously"
- I would have to sign a re-entry agreement (whatever that is) or my suspension will continue until further action by the Board of Directors.
- Furthermore, my license regulatory board was notified
I am so angry and hurt. The financial strain and emotional stress they have placed on me seems to be so unjust.
There response is, "well, at least we let you keep your job. we could have fired you".
I want paid for those days off and I want that taken out of my personnel file - I must continue working there until the regulatory board finished their investigation and until I can recover financially, but I am really lacking a desire to do the "above and beyond" work my employer has grown to expect from me.
Is this truly a HIPAA violation by me?
Are my employers actions excessive to the point that I can seek reimbursement or even make them accountable for these actions?
Thank you