Workmans comp & hippa laws
My boyfriend filed a workmans comp claim against the company we both work for approximately a year ago. Since he works in a very small dept. this required the company to fill his hours with overtime. When the individual was no longer willing or able to cover my boyfriend's hours, this particular indivdual went the HR person wanting to know when my boyfriend's next doctor's appointment was. The HR person provided the co-worker, not supervisor, with this information. The co-worker told HR that he would not be able to cover my boyfriend's hours for certain days and asked the HR person to move his doctor's appointment up. The HR person then called my boyfriend to ask if this was o.k. He agreed not even realizing that this was a violation of HIPPA. I could understand if his direct supervisor was asking about his condition and when he would be able to return to work. I am not totally sure but I don't think HR should ever be discussing an employees health or date of return with anyone other than the direct supervisor and on a need to know only basis. I am not sure what the statutes of limitations is on such a case, but I do feel like my boyfriend's rights were violated!
|