I live in Washington state. I work in admitting at the hospital. I am being falsely accused of a HIPPA violation. The accuser is an ex-brother in law and his girlfriend. What are my rights as an employee if I should happen to get fired over this? I did nothing to violate the policy. Because of custody issues between my sister-ion-law and him I feel like I am being used as a scapegoat. My employer is in the process of investigating now. I am on a three day suspension. I have explained the whole issue to them but am very nervous because it is a serious violation with my employer. I need some advice!!

It may help us to answer, if we knew what you "did", or at least what they "say you did"?

My ex-brother in law's girlfriend brought her son to be admitted to the hospital. I did the check in. When I asked her for her address she lied and gave me her ex-husband's, she stated she was still married to him. I knew for a fact she was not being honest. I alerted my supervisor that she had lied. I was told to make notes on the account and could question her because it was personal knowledge. Of course when my ex-brother in law got wind that she had lied he was not happy. They are saying that I told people the boy was admitted in the hospital (mainly I supposedly told my two nephews). I did not tell them. I feel that the woman knows she got caught and is covering for herself. I have discussed all of this with my employer. I am hoping they will find me not guilty. But I also need to know what my legal rights are. If there is anything I can do to prove my innocence and keep my job.

Who is she claiming you told?

Will that person "lie" and say that you did?

It would probably be a good idea to consult with an attorney just to find out how the procedure works, and what you may be able to do to defend yourself if necessary.

She is claiming I told my nephew's ages 10 & 11. It was supposedly told at the birthday party for the youngest one. I did not even talk much with the boys because they were swimming the whole day. I am not sure what the boys will say. Their mom and dad do not get along. In fact there is an issue going right now that he is taking the kids on a vacation over mom's birthday. Which is a custody violation. Thank you so much for trying to answer. I just feel I am wrongly being accused and it is not fair. I have never had any type of violation on my work record.