Can I get fired for an accidental HIPAA violation?

Termination for a HIPAA violation is a possible outcome. Viewing the medical records of any patient without authorization is likely to result in termination unless the incident is reported quickly, no harm was caused to the patient, and access was accidental or made in good faith.

What happens when an employee violates HIPAA?

Those who violate HIPAA may face fines from $100-250,000 per offense (with an annual cap at $1.5 million) and/or a 1-10 year prison sentence. Employers may find it difficult to enforce sanctions on employees who break the rules. However, it is important to do so consistently for the wellbeing of the company.

What is a Level 1 HIPAA violation?

Tier 1: A violation that the covered entity was unaware of and could not have realistically avoided, had a reasonable amount of care had been taken to abide by HIPAA Rules. Tier 2: A violation that the covered entity should have been aware of but could not have avoided even with a reasonable amount of care.

Can I sue my employer for a HIPAA violation?

No, you cannot sue anyone directly for HIPAA violations. HIPAA rules do not have any private cause of action (sometimes called “private right of action”) under federal law.

Can employers commit HIPAA violations?

It means if you suspect your employer has shared your health information with other employees or colleagues, you will only be able to claim a HIPAA violation if your employer is a health plan, a health care clearinghouse or a health care provider.

Is it against HIPAA to Google a patient?

Googling your patients does not violate HIPAA. You are acting as an observer of information rather than posting a patient’s information online yourself. Regardless of the fact that doing some online research into your patients’ pasts isn’t technically illegal, it still should not be taken lightly.