Hi, last day of my employment was on a Friday. I was unable to get all of my field notes in on time to my employer so I asked if I could keep my field notes and laptop for the weekend and return them in the following week. When I arrived to work the following week to drop off company laptop, my things were all piled into a box.When I got home went through the boxes and set aside my personal belongings and shredd anything I had left of client information. My ex boss says I have violated HIPPA for taking home client files my last day and has asked for me to return it is says she will prosecuting me for HIPPA violation. Did I break the law??

HIPAA is not a criminal action. Violation of HIPAA may result in fines.

However, if you return the records as requested with the explanation that you were not aware there were records in the box until you got home. There should be no issue.