HIPPA
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The Privacy Rule does not protect your employment records, even if the information in those records is health-related. In most cases, the Privacy Rule does not apply to the actions of an employer.
If you work for a health plan or a covered health care provider:
The Privacy Rule does not apply to your employment records.
The Rule does protect your medical or health plan records if you are a patient of the provider or a member of the health plan. -
The Privacy Rule does not protect your employment records,
So your employer can share your SSN, what medications you are taking, disabilities etc with anyone? That doesn't seem correct.
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@Jason said
So your employer can share your SSN, what medications you are taking, disabilities etc with anyone? That doesn't seem correct.
They should never have any of your health information. They cannot get it without your consent, unless you give it to them.
Here's the whole page I took that snippet from. (It's short.)
http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html
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@Jason said
So your employer can share your SSN, what medications you are taking, disabilities etc with anyone? That doesn't seem correct.
If they have that information because you are a patient, than no, they cannot do that.
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@Jason said
So your employer can share your SSN, what medications you are taking, disabilities etc with anyone? That doesn't seem correct.
They should never have any of your health information. They cannot get it without your consent, unless you give it to them.
Here's the whole page I took that snippet from. (It's short.)
http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html
Um most employers including mine requires current prescriptions on file, and if you take a drug test you have to list medications you are taking as well.
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The Privacy Rule does not apply to your employment records.
The Rule does protect your medical or health plan records if you are a patient of the provider or a member of the health plan.but we are talking about his health record here and the employer is the provider. So while the first bit is true (that's covered by other laws) the second part still applies.
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@scottalanmiller said
but we are talking about his health record here and the employer is the provider. So while the first bit is true (that's covered by other laws) the second part still applies.
Correct. But in any other instance where you are not a patient of the covered entity itself, it does not apply.
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Where did you get that snippet from?
To my knowledge employers are not covered under the HIPAA rule. In the same way a manufacturer you give medical info to is not.
From the link provided earlier.
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@Jason said
So your employer can share your SSN, what medications you are taking, disabilities etc with anyone? That doesn't seem correct.
They should never have any of your health information. They cannot get it without your consent, unless you give it to them.
Here's the whole page I took that snippet from. (It's short.)
http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html
Um most employers including mine requires current prescriptions on file, and if you take a drug test you have to list medications you are taking as well.
They do? I have never talked to or seen an employer that requires this. It actually may be illegal to request this in NY.
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the same HHS link that you provided, is the one that said employers were covered as having to comply.
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@Jason said
So your employer can share your SSN, what medications you are taking, disabilities etc with anyone? That doesn't seem correct.
They should never have any of your health information. They cannot get it without your consent, unless you give it to them.
Here's the whole page I took that snippet from. (It's short.)
http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html
Um most employers including mine requires current prescriptions on file, and if you take a drug test you have to list medications you are taking as well.
They do? I have never talked to or seen an employer that requires this. It actually may be illegal to request this in NY.
I think it is illegal most everywhere. I've never had something like that even mentioned or suggested. Even in Texas I've never heard of anything like that. I'm pretty sure it is illegal in most of the larger states. (NY, CA, TX, etc.)
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@scottalanmiller said >
I think it is illegal most everywhere. I've never had something like that even mentioned or suggested. Even in Texas I've never heard of anything like that. I'm pretty sure it is illegal in most of the larger states. (NY, CA, TX, etc.)
Yeah, pretty sure that's illegal, or could at least be fought.
Some professions in some states may require you to self-report.
And if the drug test divulged the results, that would be a HIPAA violation.
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I know that as an employer I had to get training on things that I could never ask for. That was certainly one of them.
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From:
http://work.chron.com/employer-right-ask-prescriptions-take-14956.htmlVoluntary Reporting
Although employers cannot ask what prescriptions an employee is taking outright, they may be able to ask an employee about prescription medications if those medications can inhibit the employee’s ability to work or put others in danger. For example, firefighters and police officers might be required to self-report any prescriptions taken if it affects their ability to work. Those in administrative positions, however, cannot be asked to disclose prescription medications.Drug Testing
Drug testing requirements vary greatly by state. Some states prohibit random drug testing, while other states allow it. During a drug test, an employee may be asked to report any medications taken. Although the employee does not legally have to answer, not reporting these medications may result in loss of employment, especially if the drug test is positive for job-inhibiting substances – prescribed or not.Privacy and HIPAA
Some states allow an employer to contact an employee’s physician if her drug test comes back positive for prescription medications. For public employees, this is not a violation of privacy, according to Fair Measures, Inc. For private employees, the rules are different. According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, employers can request physician notes, but only to administer sick leave, health insurance or workers’ compensation. Employers cannot request health information about an employee from his physician without the employee’s authorization. HIPAA does not, however, protect your employment records – only your health plan and other medical-related records. -
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@scottalanmiller said in HIPPA:
I know that as an employer I had to get training on things that I could never ask for. That was certainly one of them.
One more question: are you pregnant, taking any prescriptions to help you get pregnant, or of any religions that have feelings about being pregnant?
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@scottalanmiller said in HIPPA:
I know that as an employer I had to get training on things that I could never ask for. That was certainly one of them.
One more question: are you pregnant, taking any prescriptions to help you get pregnant, or of any religions that have feelings about being pregnant?
And how would you describe this person who may or may not be getting your pregnant?
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@scottalanmiller said
And how would you describe this person who may or may not be getting your pregnant?
We should make a Top Ten list of the most improper questions to ask in an interview.
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Are you opposed to taking ruffies while at work?
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You should change your voicemail message to make it sound like a HIPAA law firm. Maybe that'll get the message across.
