facebook and HIPPA

[cdarrn]

I posted on facebook a simple statement for a few hours then removed it: For anyone who understands MM is at facility for OD. I was called a given a written warning for violation of HIPPA. My facebook is open to all and I feel that since I did not identify to what community of people I was addressing, what type of facility or what I was even referring to- I should not have received a warning for violation. I was told that 2 coworkers left a note for the boss that I had been in violation. I feel this was unjust. I could have been referring to family situations, friends, etc. The initials were that of a common patient but it was assumed that it was a patient I was referring to. Can I really be held liable for this?

 

[Proserpina]

Who gave you a written warning?

 

[Betty3]

Just for your info - it's HIPAA (not HIPPA).

 

[cdarrn]

my boss who suggested I write a follow up to the warning- my side of the story

 

[mightymoose]

There may be other terms of employment that you were in violation of.
What you describe sounds to me like a deliberate act that violated the privacy of a patient. Although not everyone would know what you meant, obviously you knew that some people would understand. It is not information for you to be sharing with anyone.

 

[Proserpina]

You can certainly be fired for this.