Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Other Law (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190)
-   -   Hipaa violations in the workplace (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=467492)

  • Apr 27, 2010, 02:06 PM
    tenaj1
    Hipaa violations in the workplace
    My daughter works for a large insurance carrier in NY. They were in training and utilizing records of current incoming benefit question phone calls. The recorded conversation that was played for the training class was that of my daughter's and a mental health facility where she is seeking treatment. Her name & ID# was announced in this class. They did turn it off however the damage was already done and her co-workers are now aware of her condition and that she is seeking treatment. There are also different mental health centers contacting her insurance company/employer for benefits and any customer service person can answer these calls. My daughter happened to be in the same room as one center called in about her benefits. Diagnoses and status of her condition is now out there for all employees to see. There used to be a dedicated unit for employees with this insurance company however now to reduce cost they now go to any employee. I feel this trainer should have reviewed the recorded case prior to playing for all to hear to be sure it was not an employee, family member of an employee etc.. This employer is horrible. Their methods to protect employee/health information is nil. They treat their employees so poorly.
  • Apr 27, 2010, 03:38 PM
    twinkiedooter

    The trainer definitely needs to be reprimanded for this inexcusable faux pax.
  • Apr 27, 2010, 03:46 PM
    ScottGem

    First, this is not your issue, its your daughter's and she has to handle it. You should not be stirring her up about this.

    However, I agree this was a HIPAA violation. So the question is what does your daughter want to do about it? She can report it her supervisors. I think she should but it may affect her job. Even though it shouldn't
  • Apr 27, 2010, 04:20 PM
    Fr_Chuck

    I know most times I call the insurance company, the recording says it is being recorded and could be used for training purpose.

    Next to be a violation it has to be given to someone who does not have the authority and permission to view or hear the material.
    If these were phone or clerks that could have been the ones answering that same call, they have a right to hear or see the info.

    While improper I personally believe these employees are allowed to hear the material and it was only poor planning that the material was of a co worker.

    Even you seem to think it was OK for them to hear other non employee material.
  • Dec 1, 2011, 07:29 AM
    rntracee1
    I may be misunderstanding what is being said here, but when there is a recording stating that this call is being recorded for quality assurance or training purposes, you have no expectations of privacy of that phone call. In fact, you have no expectation of privacy during any phone call (ie. Monica Lewinski). If there is private information that you do not want shared with anyone else other than to whom you are speaking with, you need to speak with them in person.

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:51 PM.