New questions about patient privacy at North Country Hospital

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.wcax.com/story/24582782/new-questions-about-patient-privacy-at-north-country-hospital

By Melissa Howell
WCAX.com
Jan 29, 2014

NEWPORT, Vt. - North Country Hospital in Newport received a regulatory 
citation from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid after two unauthorized 
employees viewed confidential medical records. It was discovered last fall 
that the hospital was not conducting proper surveillance when CMS made an 
unannounced visit.

"Medical information from two patients' records was accessed by two people 
without, who did have the need to know, they were not involved in the 
individual's direct care," said Fran Keeler of the Vt. Division of 
Licensing and Protection.

Newport residents say this breach raises concerns about patient privacy.

"You have to know your records are safe. People shouldn't be looking at 
records that they're not entitled to look at," said Brandie Barton of 
Newport.

[...]



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