Keeping patients confidential record is one of the nurse’ most valuable asset. This is the main reason why whenever someone filed a complaint against you involving violating patient confidentiality, your license could be put in danger if not defended by a nurse attorney.
On or about October 3, 2018, an LVN from Austin violated the confidentiality of patients in that she took photographs of herself with patients and uploaded the photos to her Facebook account without their consent. Her conduct exposed the patient unnecessarily to a risk of harm from disclosure of the patient’s confidential information without written authorization and placed the facility in violation of HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
The Texas Board of Nursing is the one who has full jurisdiction on cases involving RNs and LVNs. Therefore, the LVN was summoned by the Texas Board of Nursing to explain her side.
In response to the allegation, the LVN states she recognizes her mistake and takes full responsibility for her actions. The patients involved were moving and she states the whole office was sad they were leaving. She states there was no written consent obtained, as it was a spontaneous occurrence, although the patients were in complete accordance and verbalized consent.
The LVN states she was saddened with the events of the patients leaving and the resignation of her position in the weeks prior, that she posted to Facebook about how much she would miss her patients and working at the hospital and attached the photo taken. She did not realize the violation until a coworker messaged her about it, to which she immediately removed the post.
Do not fret if you find yourself in a similar situation the same as that of the LVN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right nurse attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas nurse attorney. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An and text or call attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579