[amjm60]

We have a boss that when someone calls into the office to tell her they will be out that day due to an illness, let say a migraine. The boss then calls a co-worker in that department as an FYI advising that person will be out, but she also tells the reason so at that point the whole department knows why. Is this a hippa violation? How can I tactfully tell my boss (if I call in) that I prefer the rest of the office now know the reason?

[N0help4u]

It isn't a hippa violation but if you do not want her to tell everybody maybe the company policies need to be gone over and possibly rewritten.

[MsMewiththat]

Simply state, that I am letting you know why I am ill but I prefer the rest of the staff not know. I don't think it is Hipaa violation but it my be considered a breach of confidence. It's somewhat inappropriate for the supervisor to tell everyone your business. I would imagine if it were something more sensitive that they would use better judgment in sharing the reason why. Your supervisor may not be aware that it is borderline inappropriate. However a migraine is not that sensitive of information. I would recommend just asking him/her not to disclose your symptoms to the other staff when you call in.

[J_9]

Firstly, it is HIPAA, not HIPPA.

Now, do you work in a medical office? To put it in simple terms, HIPAA is like doctor/patient privilege. So, if your doctor is not your healthcare provider, this is not a violation of HIPAA.

I will say though that this is not very good business ethics to tell other employees why one employee is out sick.