Lab Hipaa Violation
lab hipaa violation
Is this a HIPAA violation?
Someone came to my house a few nights ago and forgot a nurse station census packet. It has patient names, admission date, acct #, and medical record #, as well as hand-written observations (drank too much, stab wound, lab results). I was wondering if this packet with this information is a HIPAA violation.
I looked at it because I didnt know what it was. I fully plan on taking it to the higher level, but thought I would ask since I am ignorant to the health care laws. I apologize.
The packet itself is not a HIPAA violation. The packet is an inanimate object, and cannot do things that are right or wrong.
But, depending on WHO the person was that left those documents there, THEY might be in violation of HIPAA, depending on the details of what is in the packet. If they work for the provider the documents are from, then yes, it sounds like they may be in violation. If they are the person the documents are about, then no, they are not in violation.
What you can do about is return the packet to the faculty they originated from. That facility will take it from there, and if disciplinary action is warranted, they will do so (but not against you – you did nothing illegal).
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