I have a question that no one may be able to answer, but I would like some feed back from some of you. My local hospital has recently fired and/or suspended several employee for looking up their own medical records, claiming it is a HIPPA violation. I am very confused about this because how is it a violation of privacy to look at your own records. I can understand how it could be a violation of policy.. (i.e. you must go through medical records to get a copy of your report), but I do not understand how that is a HIPPA violation. Any input or comments are appreciated...
Thanks

It is a HIPAA violation if no release was signed. There are certain portions of the medical record that are for the health care giver's eyes only, as well as medical billing.

You may find a better answer to your question here

HHS - Office for Civil Rights - HIPAA (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/)

J-9 is correct. I've also known employees to be fired looking up their own or family members information. It's a violation of privacy and frowned upon because when health-care workers access their records, there is usually nothing stopping them from making edits, deletions, etc. For everyone's safety and privacy, HIPAA has enforced these rules.

You see, the medical record is the property of the institution in which it is housed, i.e. hospital, doctor's office, clinic, etc.

It is a violation to review any medical record of any patient, whether it be yourself or someone else, without a signed release. At that point only certain portions of the medical record are available to the requestor.