[atsadeek]

I was terminated for a HIPAA violation. I did not mean to violate HIPAA but did so in the process of reporting animal abuse. I worked in the human services. My questions is, if another employer hires me knowing that I violated HIPAA, are violating any Laws? Are they liable? What are my rights as a HIPAA violator in terms of getting another job in the field?
Thank you.
AT

[SONOMAMA29]

I am a medical professional and have been in the medical field for 8 years. Look up the HIPPA codes for your employeer, by reporting animal abuse, that is NOT a violoation ( under the terms of my employeer) you should research it. If you are going to put on your next app. That you were terminated I think your reason for "violating HIPPA" will be over looked for your concern for the abused animal. Good Luck

[Wildsporty]

I would not go into a long detail on a resume or employment app. I would simply put terminated please ask for details or if you want it known right away put terminated for unintentional Hippa violation (please ask for details).

I have been in Human Resources for close to 30 years. You may or may not be asked about it. Obviously you were either terminated or quit or you would not be applying for a job. We Human Resource professionals understand there are at times circumstances that exist in one workplace that would not in another. Each case is different. If you are asked about it just tell the truth.

Shirley

[Fr_Chuck]

First giving information to a law enforcement agency about a violation or criminal behavior, is not a violation. I would state I was discharged for reporting a illegal activity personally.

Since a violation has to be giving out the persons medical info, what type of medial info did you give them reporting animal abuse. Did you include information about their cancer, or their surgary ?

[ScottGem]

I'm curious, how exactly did you violate HIPAA?

[JudyKayTee]

I'm in agreement with FrChuck and Scottgem - I don't understand what was said or how it was a HIPAA violation when animal abuse was involved.?

[atsadeek]

Thank you for all of your responses. I did not realize I received them. Here is what happened.

I called Animal Control and asked to report the incident anonymously. The Officer in question began aggressively asking me for the name of the person I was reporting. I explained to her that I was not able to provide that information due to confidentiality issues. The officer got angrier and aggressively pursued her line of questioning; the families name, my relationship to them, the head of the house hold, where I work. I continued to explain that I could not provide that information but she would not let up until I revealed (against my better judgment) the name of the family hoping that this would suffice to begin her investigation. It did not. She aggressively continued to probe for information. After telling her where I worked, I finally asked if she wanted to discuss that matter with my supervisor because I was unable to deescalate her. That was the end of that , of course. I found out a few days ago that my ex employer is not required to report the "HIPAA" violation to the board. So, is it or isn't it HIPAA violation? I am confused?

BTW: As much as there should be, there is no mandated reporting law that protect human service employees from reporting animal abuse.
Thank you
Ayelet

[ScottGem]

We need more info here, like what type of organization do you work for? How you came about to witness this abuse. Do you know, in fact that a HIPAA violation was entered against you? If so, how do you know this.

HIPAA covers human rights, not animal rights. If you work for a veterinarian and you found out about the abuse as a result of that employment, I don't see a HIPAA violation. I do see a breach of confidentiality, but, on the other hand, there may be laws requiring a Vet to report abuse.

In any case, unless you revealed personal medical information you obtained as part of your employment to a 3rd party, I don't see a HIPAA violation. Something is fishy here.

[JudyKayTee]

Take it away, Scott - as far me, I'm totally lost. I still don't see how HIPAA enters into this.

[J_9]

Okay, where do you work? What medical information was given about the person in question?

[AK lawyer]

... I revealed (against my better judgment) the name of the family ... After telling her where I worked, I finally asked if she wanted to discuss that matter with my supervisor ...

If you work for a medical service provider (human patients), that's the extent of arguable violation: a member of so-and-so's family is being treated by you ex employer. I don't see how you acquired the information concerning animal cruelty, but I don't believe that you violated HIPPA.