I recently worked in a skin treatment center for a number of years. I am going out on my own to provide treatments. Due to the need for my clients to contact me about their conditions after treatments, i currently have a list of the names and phone numbers of clients that i have seen. Is it a violation of HIPAA regulations to contact them regarding my new business contact information?

J_9

Doesn't matter...what happens in the clinic stays in the clinic. Once an employee clocks out...all info they know is to remain behind the doors of that clinic.

BlueAgave

Charts are not the only source of information. I have done a number of seminars and marketing events where people have signed up on lists for me to call them or email them information. None of this occurred within the confines of an appointment or on the grounds of the treatment center. Any thoughts?

J_9

If you did the seminars and marketing events while employed by the treatment center the records are still theirs. You have no legal right to them. This could, and possibly would, be considered theft of property.

ScottGem

J_9 is correct. Even if you weren't doing them under the purview of the center, how did these people learn about them if it was through the center, then the same issues apply.

N0help4u

I have to agree with that. If they come to you it has to be on their own accord without any influence from you. I was looking at it more from the ethical perspective but what J_9 and Scottgem says makes sense.