Would it be considered a hipaa violation when coworkers share information pertaining to an abuse/neglect case investigation envolving mentally challenged adults. the info shared was between full time employees and ex terminated employees, info shared was the name of the employee under investigation and the mentally challened adults house number whom this worker was not allowed to work in until the completion of the investigation, so without a final outcome to the alleged abuse/neglect investication, this persons name and reputation is being ruined due to leaked info between these other two individuals, this info of worker not being allowd to work in a particular clients home was transmitted via Yahoo chat and was logged in chat

A HIPPA violation is when the establishment gives out protected health information or PHI.

Two co workers gossiping would be malicous gossip. This is not a HIPPA violation, but it should immediately be brought to the attention of the Human Resources Department. I am sure it is in violation of some company policy. Human Resources will investigate and have a talk with the offenders.

Shirley