Accepted Answer

Whether or not you actually violated confidentiality would depend on specific HIPPA and hospital policy as they apply to your particular job/position. In other words, policy may require you to maintain confidentiality regarding patients -- regardless of whether the patient information resulted directly from your employment.

Let us assume, that your actions have not violated patient confidentiality in the technical sense. As a professional counselor who is familiar with the need for, and importance of, confidentiality -- I have to say that your actions were less-than-wise. This is because they have caused your superiors to question your judgment and trustworthiness as they relate to your professional responsibilities.

As you have recently been reminded -- it is a truism that small towns are known for everyone (very quickly) knowing everyone else's business.

Another truism is that it is as important to avoid the appearance of wrongdoing, as it is to avoid wrongdoing itself. This is because the consequences of the former can be just as serious as those of the latter.

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Steve

Edited by Steve -- a.k.a. Oreport on 5/18/2007 at 11:07 AM

Expert:	Steve -- a.k.a. Oreport
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	5/18/2007

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