possible violation

[Brigda]

Hi,
I work as an rn in a small emergency dept in a rural area, we had a 21
yr old client, presented with anxiety, her mother accompanied her, and
attempted to be very involved in her care. The client was not suicidal
or homicidal, so did not require admission, was not petitioned. She
was dced home.
The next day the mother called with a complaint about one of the
nurses, and management discussed the care with the mother. Permission
was not obtained from the client. The claim is that it was not a hippa
violation because just the complaint was discussed, I believe it is a
violation, because the care was being discussed. What do you think?
She also brought some of the outpatient resource paperwork in to
complain, to prove we didn't care for the patient, I also believe this
may be a violation, it was not her paperwork, it was the client's, and
obtained without permission.
Anne

[Jana Sullinger]

Your hospital should have a policy in place, as well as an appointed Compliance officer. If you have concerns, you should follow the appropriate channels as outlined in Hospital SOP for raising any concerns, which usually is through the Compliance officer and/or department.