I worked as a preauthorization coordinator for a pain clinic. A male patient and I started communicating on Facebook and by text messaging. We went out 1 time. I told him I was not interested in him and to take care. I made the mistake of sending him a text message today.. which said "Hey, aren't you coming in this week? and big plans for the holiday weekend?...He then called my manager and I was asked about it. He told her that he was concerned with me knowing his personal information and working there. I was called in to my supervisor and my managers office and asked about it. I told them what I just stated above. I was told it was a HIPP violation to "fraternize" with any patient. I was not aware of that being a violation. I was terminated today because of that. I am questioning now if I was wrongfully terminated...

It is not only a HIPAA violation but a conflict of interest. Were you not asked to sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality statement when you were hired on? If not, your employer was lax in not having this done. Ask about that.

I would not pursue wrongful dismissal.

We all know in the healthcare field that you absolutely do not get involved with clients. I would count your blessings if your employer does not report you to a higher authority and you can't find another job in your field.

What you participated in is inadmissable.

Tick

No it is not a HIPAA violation, But I would prusue wrongful dismissal, since they had no right to do anything.

You knew his personal info ( facebook) from the date I assume, or his text number.

A text to his personal phone is not even giving out his info.

They are misusing and misundertanding the law and need to be taken to task for their violation of your rights

Sorry Chuck but I don't agree that the OP, working in a care agency should get off scott free for fraternizing with a client. I think she was dismissed with good cause. The client was justified in his concern of her knowing his personal information, whether it came from Facebook, twitter, or the care agency's personal files.

My position as a healthcare worker was clearly outlined when I was hired. No personal contact with any client outside of normal personal support duties or instant dismissal. You just don't cross the line with a client.

Tick

What if it had been a female friend of mine, and we got into a argument, and she decided to call and want her name changed so I didn't have acsess to her info?. They were accusing me of possibly doing something I had not done, nor would I ever do. I have worked in the healthcare field for over 25yrs. I was never told this was a policy, nor was I warned that it was cause for dismissal... I feel I was wrongly "let go" their words.

If and only if their agency had a rule about dating patients. But it is not a HIPPA violation. It may have broken some company policy, but not all have that policy. Our receptionists, even our PT staff could date a patient if they meet one they wanted to ask out.