I was hospitalized for ptsd and depression at a private mental, drug and behavioral facility in which they allow a friend who was searching for me for several days. To enter the ward I was on at 9:30 pm without any info on me but my name and brought her directly to me also without informing me that there was someone claiming to be my sister would I like to see them or not. Although it was a relief for my friend I continue to have flashbacks and nightmares from that event because she could have been anyone. Had just weeks before got out of a long term abusive relationship and was already dealing with that fear of being found. I filled a complaint with the patient advocate of the facility and recently was contacted by mail with a letter of apology. I am not satisfied with the response although I appreciate them getting back to me. Still suffering from the event what can I do if anything? How do I know what actions wer taken so that this cannot happen to someone else.

You are referring to HIPAA - here is how to make a complaint against the facility: How To File a Complaint (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.html).

If you suffered great emotional distress, damaging distress, and are treating for that additional distress you can attempt to sue the facility. Of course, you would need an Attorney willing to handle the case and an expert witness to the change in your condition due to this stress. Medical malpractice suits are very expensive.

" I am not satisfied " what were you expecting from them that would satisfy you? You can try for a HIPAA violation but you will not get anything tangible from it. If they said nothing about your condition or treatment I doubt if this would qualify as a violation but you can easily try yourself. The Privacy Rule (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/privacyrule/index.html)

So what medical info did they provide, it is obvious your friend must have known you were there ?

If I know my friend is in a hospital, I go to the hospital during visiting hours and go visit ?

Did or was there a order for no visitors in your file ?