What to do if the doctor’s receptionist gave my blood test results to my husband without my permission?
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What to do if the doctor’s receptionist gave my blood test results to my husband without my permission?
She also discussed an issue with the results of one of my medical tests with him. This was all done without my knowledge or permission. Is this a breach of patient confidentiality?
Asked on January 11, 2013 under Malpractice Law, California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Based upon what you have written, the nurse seemingly at first blush violated state HIPPA laws by breaching the medical confidence of a patient with a third party IF the patient did not want such information given. However. when it comes to matters between spouses, the HIPPA requirement is much more relaxed given financial obligations that married couples have with the other.
I would mention the issue to your treating physician and the nurse but given the fact that the information was given to your spouse, I do not see a HIPPA violation.
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