I am a student in the EMS field. While on rotation I noticed SEVERE animal abuse/neglect. There were upwards of 40 cats running around using the floor as a litter box and the conditions were very unsanitary. I would like to report it because I feel so sorry for the animals, but there is no guideline of how to handle it. Would calling the local SPCA be violating HIPAA? I know that my first concern should be for the person that we were sent to treat, but he has made is clear that he wants nothing to do with any help from either us or social services. Social services were called, but I do not know the extent of how they followed up. My concern is that these cats and the brand new kittens have a chance to be happy and healthy.

It may be that you are required, by state or local law, to report violations of law such as this.


Covered entities .. must disclose PHI when required to do so by law, such as reporting suspected child abuse to state child welfare agencies
....
when a covered entity discloses any PHI (protected health information), it must make a reasonable effort to disclose only the minimum necessary information required to achieve its purpose
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIPPA)

I suggest that you bring this up with your Privacy Official before you do anything.