Doctor-Patient Confidentiality?

[cgetlost]

What is the name of your state? FL
My dad was at a local hospital and mentioned that he had some suicidal thoughts, 4 days before, to his doctor. The doctor ended up having him admitted to a "mental health facility". When my fathers' sister-in-law and boy-friend came to pickup his auto, they were told all types of personal information that my father had told his doctor. Examples: his suicidal thoughts and his sexual performance issues among others. The only person authorized to get information about my father is my Aunt (his sister).

Is this a matter that could result in my father filing suit against the hospital and/or doctor?
Or, is the only recourse to file something with the state medical board?

Thanks.

 

[ellencee]

What is the name of your state? FL
My dad was at a local hospital and mentioned that he had some suicidal thoughts, 4 days before, to his doctor. The doctor ended up having him admitted to a "mental health facility". When my fathers' sister-in-law and boy-friend came to pickup his auto, they were told all types of personal information that my father had told his doctor. Examples: his suicidal thoughts and his sexual performance issues among others. The only person authorized to get information about my father is my Aunt (his sister).

Is this a matter that could result in my father filing suit against the hospital and/or doctor?
Or, is the only recourse to file something with the state medical board?

Thanks.

Your father obviously designated or approved them as his representative and from your description of events, we have no way of knowing if he opted for privacy protection or not. If there is an actionable violation, it would be a HIPAA complaint and unless he can prove the disclosure of information was made with malicious intent, he has no right to sue anyone. He stands to gain zero dollars and cents from a HIPAA complaint as HIPAA does not award anyone money. HIPAA takes action to insure the provider has proper policies, procedures, staff education, etc. The hospital may be fined if this is a repeat offense, but even in that situation, the only 'one' who gets any money is the government. (gotta pay for the rain forest-worth of paper the HIPAA law requires to be written in print)

EC