Under HIPPA laws it doesnt matter if its a private company or not. They cannot disclose your information to anyone who doesnt have your permission. This even includes other people in the office who are not involved with your testing. So if she was talking to coworkers, identifying you, and they were not one of the people who performed the test she can be fired for illegally giving out information. Make sure to follow up on your frustration!
Definitely write a letter, this is the second post with a HIPAA violation in it I've read in 5 minutes :/ very concerning since HIPAA is crammed down all health care workers throats and violating it is 95% of the time grounds for immediate termination and sometimes fines and jail time, depending on the severity of the information that was compromised. You have every right to be PO'd
Thanks ladies. Right after I made this post I was wondering if maybe I was overreacting. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who thinks it was out of line.
Toriiee- I couldn't agree more. It's a sensitive issue and there is no need to make someone feel self conscious or bad about it.
Optimysitic- it was through a private company but conducted at my hospital's lab. I was so eager to get out of there but I think I'm going to write a letter. I felt their conduct was just inappropriate especially considering they knew nothing about me or my situation.
So, was this place thru the dr office or hospital or private company? If u had to sign HIPPA statement, its illegal for her to talk to anyone else. So, i hope u got her name & report it to human services or to whoever.
people like that shouldnt work in a DNA place!
-juss saying!
People are so judgemental. Keep your head up hun:)
That is very rude. You should have said something to her.