[radtech2011]

I am a senior radiology student in NY. My friend who also works at the hospital I am doing my clinical at came to me and asked about a specific exam she was unsure about. It's painful and stressful. She asked if I could be in the exam the next day when it was performed. I told her that I was assigned to that room for the week, so I would more than likely be in the room with her if she liked. She said yes.

I looked and her case was an add-on and her name wasn't even on the schedule. I asked my supervisor if I could sit in on the exam. He said yes (as that is usually normal practice). The other supervisor came in the morning of the exam and stated that I was NOT allowed to be in the room, that it was against hospital policy and violated HIPAA.

When I explained that she came to me, and I was pretty sure it did not violate HIPAA, she said that it did. My question is, does it violate HIPAA if a friend asks you to be present during an exam? And where can I find the information to support that? Thanks in advance for your help!

[Fr_Chuck]

You had permission to be there as a health care provider from your supervisor, There is no violation

[ScottGem]

Not only did your supervisor assign you to the case, your friend requested your presence.

HIPAA protects people from having their medical info revealed to a 3rd party without their permission. I can see the supervisor asking your friend to sign a waiver, but I don't see any HIPAA violation.

[J_9]

I agree with everyone. However, you will be there doing your clinical rotation correct? If so, you will be there in a professional manner.

It would be different if you were there as a friend, aside from school, in your street clothes. But you're going to be there representing your school as a student. While it may not violate HIPAA, it is on the fence.