Can I be fired

[Lovesummer68]

I was diagnosed w hep c 5 years ago. I had a blood transfusion in 1981 at age 13, and so many years later it showed itself. I'm currently not getting treatment but get blood work regularly. The reason for not getting the treatment is I have renal failure and waiting to see if new meds are okay. Here's my question. I work an afternoon after school program for 6 years now. I just found out from my Dr that she got a letter from the board of health stating they were notified from Blood lab that I have Hep C and work with children and they will be telling my job. They asked my dr for my records and she hadn't given them, as of yet. How can a blood lab do this? Is that legal?  What do I do know? I'm so scared people at my job and parents are going to find out. I feel it's such an invasion of my privacy. Does this break the Hiipa law? Anyone please help I feel like my world is being taken from me. Ty for listening

[Type0]

They can not tell your job. The regulation right now only regarding Hep B healthcare workers in direct contact with blood, such as surgeons or OR assistants. Children is not blood exposure risk job.

[Lovesummer68]

Ty so much for all the information it's very appreciated. Ty

[Dee1956]

Hi DWBH is correct.  In my case the lab told the Health Dept; the only reason the Health Dept notified me was to make sure I knew and to give me information.  I think something sounds off about this.  Can  you ask your doctor for a copy of the letter from the Health Dept?
Sometimes people don't read, they just skim, it would be illegal for anyone to tell your employer without your permission.

I hope you can get this straightened out.
Good luck
D

[dontworry_behappy1]

I wanted to add this info so you can relax.  The lab/doctor are the parties required to give your Hep C status to the Board of Health.   Don't be surprised if your called by your county department of health.  They to try to contact you.  They ask how you got Hep C.  This always amazed me.  They
can only document what you tell them.   Many people don't know how they got Hep C.  The Board of Health doesn't contact your employee and You can ask that your name of record be replaced by a number only.  You can call and the board of health yourself.   Regardless, only you can tell people or give written permission to disclose your Hepatitis C.

One reason the Board of Health in your county contacts you is to offer directions to services, provide names of doctors, financial assistance etc.

Hope this gives you peace.

[dontworry_behappy1]

Your Doctor can't tell your employer you have Hepatitis C.  Only if you give your permission.  Working with kids isn't an exception to the rule.  You are required to use Universal Protection.   I would make sure you are well versed in this practice so you protect yourself and others.  

My personal advice is never tell your employer or people you work with.  

Best to you

[flyinlynn]

Hi
That all sounds pretty strange as far as the disclosure. Also we are protected under the law thought the  Americans with Disabilities Act. So basically if they fire you that would be illegal and you could sue their butts off.

http://www.hepcfocus.com/content/Library_ADA.aspx

That is a link about the ADA heck they can't fire you if you have HIV as long as you can do the job with reasonable accommodations.

Just found this on a NY state web site

Persons should not be excluded from work, school, play, child- care, or other settings on the basis of their HCV infection status.

Here is the site
https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/9339/

Good luck
Lynn