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View Full Version : What do I do in the case of a Hippa violation?


JEM.B
Aug 10, 2010, 01:35 PM
This concerns a local pharmacy. The first incident one of the employees discused my Autistic child's problems and things she had learned from work in a very negative way. She discused these things in front of children he went to school with and it made his life just that much harder. She referred to him as a retard and discussed his prescriptions. This was at a dinner party. I was made aware of it, talked to the man who ownes the pharmacy and was brushed off. I moved on

Three days ago I was made aware of a conversation in which someone called the pharmacy( she is friends with some of the people that work there) asked and was told what medications I am on, when they are due to be refilled and how much it costs. As to why, I honestly don't know.
There have been other incidents with this pharmacy giving out out personal information that has nothing to do with me. I live in a small town and no one seems to care that personal info is being discussed with people who have no right or reason to know.
My question is what do I do? I have not talked with the man who owns pharmacy this time because I got no where last time. Im not sure what my first step should be. Any advise?

leen321
Aug 10, 2010, 01:53 PM
See a lawyer. Definitely a HIPPA violation. The fines are huge for the violating party. I would also call the owner of the pharmacy and ask him why his employee is discussing your medications without your written permission.
Remember HIPPA is the same whether you live in NYC or a tiny town.

DrBill100
Aug 11, 2010, 08:37 AM
Hipaa is administered by US Health and Human Services. Here is a link to their online information which includes "how to file a complaint." Good luck.

Health Information Privacy (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/)

ScottGem
Aug 11, 2010, 09:16 AM
If you are in the US (ANY question about law needs to include your general area as laws vary) then this comes under the HIPAA statute. Overview HIPAA - General Information (http://www.cms.gov/HIPAAGenInfo/)

What you described is a gross violation of HIPAA. You can report these incidents to HIPAA, an investigation will be done, and, assuming it finds what you related, both the pharmacy owner and the specific worker will be cited and fined.

P.S. Please don't post the same question multiple times. I've merged your threads for you.

ScottGem
Aug 11, 2010, 09:29 AM
see a lawyer. Definitely a HIPPA violation. The fines are huge for the violating party. I would also call the owner of the pharmacy and ask him why his employee is discussing your medications without your written permission.
Remember HIPPA is the same whether you live in NYC or a tiny town.

Seeing a lawyer is not going to do much. Yes, a medical provider violating HIPAA (not HIPPA) is subject to fines and other sanctions. However, there is no compensation for the victim. HIPAA has not provision for that. The OP said they have already contacted the owner of the pharmacy.

JEM.B
Aug 11, 2010, 05:39 PM
Thank you guys for the information. Im about to check the links given and will post updates. Thank you very much!