? Hippa Violations ?

[docdon]

What is the name of your state?
Illinois
I am a Director of Nursing in Corrections. I have an empoyee who has some serius medical problems, and without giving a "boss" great details, I have to communicate what is going on in my unit. I told this "Boss" what I thought she needed to know,and am trying to protect my employees rights however this "boss" has asked me 3 more times about what this employee's problem is. I finally lost it and told her to ask the employee herself if she and the warden needed to know. I know this employee does not want this "boss" to know about her medical condition, however I feel I am being harrassed and coerced into telling her. Is this "Boss" flirting with violation of HIPPA? If so what can I do?

 

[rmet4nzkx]

What is this employee's job/responsibility, medical condition, medications? Restricitons?

 

[docdon]

This employee is an RN. She currently has no restrictions. However, needed to wear a Cardionet monitor for 2 weeks due to Atrial Fibrillation. IS on cardiac meds for condition.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Does this compromise the safety of the unit or non compliant with requlations insofar as health and safety requirements?

When I worked in the jails, I could wear glasses, I couldn't work in the state prison because they required persons working there to have no vision correction in case of inmate uprising, where glasses and or contacts could represent a danger and or impair vision.

It appears your question may have been more re information re granting tempoary ADA accommodations but none are needed now and the health information was only required between supervisor and employee on an as needed basis, so there could be some protection under HIPAA. However if her health, presents a risk to employee or unit, then there may be a valid reason for the "BOSS" to know and possibly reassign the employee. Perhaps that is what she fears?

Does the medication seem to be adequately treating her condition and no episodes of distress, syncope and or near syncope?

 

[docdon]

This RN did not impose any kind of comprimise to herself or others. Her current meds are of benefit. Her Cardiologist wanted the monitoring done for 2 weeks while she performed her normal duties. It was not until she had this monitor that they actually found out what her problem truly was. This "boss" is a state employee as to where myself and the RN are "contractual" employees. In the event this employee would need to be reassigned, I would be the person, along with my supervisor (contractual employee as well) to make this decision.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Well I'm glad the monitoring was useful in reaching a successufl Dx and Tx plan
At this point in time there should be no issue, just quote HIPAA. Perhpas the concern was re substance abuse? Will her medicaiton be problematic with drug testing?