The Canadian Privacy Law Blog: Developments in privacy law and writings of a Canadian privacy lawyer, containing information related to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (aka PIPEDA) and other Canadian and international laws.

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The author of this blog, David T.S. Fraser, is a Canadian privacy lawyer who practices with the firm of McInnes Cooper. He is the author of the Physicians' Privacy Manual. He has a national and international practice advising corporations and individuals on matters related to Canadian privacy laws.

For full contact information and a brief bio, please see David's profile.

Please note that I am only able to provide legal advice to clients. I am not able to provide free legal advice. Any unsolicited information sent to David Fraser cannot be considered to be solicitor-client privileged.

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The views expressed herein are solely the author's and should not be attributed to his employer or clients. Any postings on legal issues are provided as a public service, and do not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein or linked to. Nothing herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

This web site is presented for informational purposes only. These materials do not constitute legal advice and do not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and David T.S. Fraser. If you are seeking specific advice related to Canadian privacy law or PIPEDA, contact the author, David T.S. Fraser.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Hospital staff fired for peeks at Nadya Suleman's files

The LA Times' blog "Dish Rag" is reporting that fifteen employees of Kaiser Permanente have been fired and eight disciplined for looking at the medical records of Nadya Suleman (aka the Octomom).

Hospital staff fired for peeks at Nadya Suleman's files The Dish Rag Los Angeles Times.
"We always provide training on the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality," hospital rep Jim Anderson told Us Weekly. "We knew from the time she was admitted to the hospital in December, this case would attract attention. Numerous training sessions were held to remind people of the need to keep the information confidential."
Eight other employees at the hospital in Bellflower, Calif., also were disciplined.
While there's no reason to believe that any information was leaked to the media (oh,yeah, right ...), Anderson says to LA Now, "this was human nature and curiosity that got the best of people."

Further coverage:

Octomom's hospital records accessed, 15 workers fired - SC Magazine US:
"Hospital officials told the Los Angeles Times that the breach was discovered during computer monitoring and the hospital was able to determine which employees had medical reason to access Suleman's files. Anderson did not indicate what type of hospital employees accessed the records but said there is no indication that the information was sold or accessed for any reason other than curiosity."

Labels: privacy