{"id":2036331,"date":"2023-09-18T17:56:01","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T21:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/indiana-ag-sues-hospital-system-for-patient-privacy-and-hippa-violations\/"},"modified":"2023-09-18T17:59:56","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T21:59:56","slug":"indiana-ag-sues-hospital-system-for-patient-privacy-and-hippa-violations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/indiana-ag-sues-hospital-system-for-patient-privacy-and-hippa-violations\/","title":{"rendered":"Indiana&#8217;s AG sues hospital system over patient privacy and HIPAA breaches."},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Findiana-ag-sues-hospital-system-for-patient-privacy-and-hippa-violations%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2036331&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><h2>Indiana \u2063Attorney General Files \u2062Lawsuit Against Hospital System for Violating Patient Privacy Laws<\/h2>\n<p>Indiana Attorney General Todd\u200d Rokita has taken legal\u2062 action against the state&#8217;s largest hospital system, accusing it of\u200b breaching \u200d<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/27-year-old-illegal-immigrant-who-allegedly-raped-10-year-old-girl-was-himself-listed-as-a-minor-in-abortionists-report-to-the-state\/\" title=\"27-Year-Old Illegal Immigrant Who Allegedly Raped 10-Year-Old Girl Was Himself Listed as a Minor in Abortionist's Report to the State\">patient privacy laws<\/a>. The lawsuit, filed in\u200c federal court,\u2063 alleges that Indiana University Health and \u200cIU \u2064Healthcare Associates violated HIPAA and a state law when a doctor publicly \u200bshared the story of a 10-year-old girl\u200c who traveled to Indiana for an abortion.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<blockquote>\n<p>The lawsuit, which you can read <a href=\"https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/attachments\/INAG\/2023\/09\/15\/file_attachments\/2616186\/Filed%20Complaint.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>, seeks to hold IU Health accountable for their actions and prevent further privacy violations. It \u200calso calls for the implementation of an appropriate sanctions policy to ensure patient confidentiality in the future.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p>This lawsuit is part of ongoing \u2064efforts to take disciplinary action against Dr. Caitlin Bernard. Attorney General Rokita aims to protect patient privacy and clarify the boundaries of acceptable conduct for healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode\">\n<div class=\"border-comp-divider mb-4 mr-4 w-full max-w-[500px] border px-5 py-4 text-[16px] leading-[20px] text-[#262626] md:float-left\" id=\"in_article_related_stories\">\n<div class=\"mb-3 font-sans text-[16px] font-semibold uppercase leading-[19px] text-[#2F2F2F]\">Related Stories<\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-2\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/indiana-supreme-court-upholds-states-near-total-abortion-ban-5478374\">Indiana Supreme\u200c Court Upholds State\u2019s\u200b Near-Total Abortion Ban<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">8\/22\/2023<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[120px]\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/indiana-supreme-court-upholds-states-near-total-abortion-ban-5478374\"><\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-2\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/biden-administration-proposes-stricter-patient-privacy-rules-for-abortion-seekers-5189910\">Biden\u2062 Administration Proposes\u200d Stricter Patient \u200cPrivacy Rules for Abortion-Seekers<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">4\/12\/2023<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[120px]\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/biden-administration-proposes-stricter-patient-privacy-rules-for-abortion-seekers-5189910\"><\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Since the U.S. Supreme Court&#8217;s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the \u2062case involving the 10-year-old girl\u200d has gained national attention and become a focal point in\u200c the ongoing abortion debate.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney General Rokita, a staunch anti-abortion advocate, has been at\u200b the forefront of implementing abortion restrictions in Indiana. The recent\u2064 near<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/all-lives-matter-arkansas-gov-signs-near-total-abortion-ban-that-supporters-hope-will-force-scotus-to-revisit-roe-v-wade\/\" title=\"\u2018All Lives Matter\u2019: Arkansas Gov. Signs Near-Total Abortion Ban That Supporters Hope Will Force SCOTUS To Revisit Roe v. Wade\">-total abortion ban<\/a>\u2062 in the state has faced legal challenges.<\/p>\n<p>The crux of the lawsuit is that neither the young girl nor her mother \u200cauthorized the doctor to share their case with the media.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;Instead of\u2063 prioritizing patient privacy, \u2064the hospital chose to protect the doctor and itself,&#8221; the lawsuit states.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Rokita argues that IU Health&#8217;s defense of Dr. Bernard&#8217;s actions has caused confusion\u2064 among its employees\u200d regarding the boundaries of patient privacy \u200claws.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>The lawsuit \u200cincludes seven counts against IU Health:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Failure to \u2063implement or follow administrative,\u2064 technical, and physical safeguards to protect patient privacy<\/li>\n<li>Failure to document disclosures of personal health information<\/li>\n<li>Failure to implement or apply and document sanctions<\/li>\n<li>Failure to provide adequate training to \u200cits workforce<\/li>\n<li>Failure to notify \u200bpatients of a \u2062privacy breach<\/li>\n<li>Failure to mitigate harm<\/li>\n<li>Violations of Indiana&#8217;s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&#8220;We will continue to prioritize\u200d and\u2063 safeguard the medical \u2062privacy\u200b of Hoosier patients,&#8221; Rokita stated.\u200b &#8220;Trust is\u200b the \u200dcornerstone of the patient-doctor relationship, and without \u2062trust, we cannot ensure reliable and honest healthcare.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In May, the Indiana medical \u2063licensing board reprimanded Dr. Bernard for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/indiana-fines-doctor-who-spoke-publicly-after-giving-10-year-old-abortion\/\" title=\"Doctor fined in Indiana for speaking out about 10-year-old's abortion.\">violating privacy laws<\/a> by discussing the girl&#8217;s treatment publicly. However, the reprimand fell short of the medical license suspension sought by Rokita&#8217;s office.<\/p>\n<p>The board&#8217;s decision received widespread\u2062 criticism from medical groups and\u2064 others who\u2062 viewed it as an attempt to intimidate doctors.<\/p>\n<p>Hospital system officials maintain that Dr. Bernard did not breach \u2063privacy laws.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8220;We stand by the HIPAA risk \u200bassessment \u200cand disagree with the \u200dboard&#8217;s decision regarding patient privacy\u2064 regulations,&#8221; the hospital system stated. &#8220;We believe Dr. Bernard acted in compliance with privacy laws.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>In response to the lawsuit, IU Health issued a statement\u2064 to the <a href=\"https:\/\/indianacapitalchronicle.com\/2023\/09\/15\/indiana-ag-todd-rokita-sues-iu-health-for-disagreeing-on-patient-privacy-in-caitlin-bernard-case\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indiana Capital Chronicle<\/a>, emphasizing their \u2062commitment to providing quality healthcare and protecting patient privacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;We are disappointed that the Indiana Attorney General&#8217;s office \u200dcontinues to allocate\u2062 limited resources to this matter,&#8221; the statement said.\u2063 &#8220;We will \u2063address the filing directly with the AG&#8217;s office.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In an unrelated development,\u200b a 28-year-old man was recently sentenced to life in prison\u200b for the molestation of the 10-year-old girl.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n  <em>The Associated Press \u2062contributed to this report.<\/em>\n<\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> What are the consequences of failure to \u2064maintain a\u2064 compliant sanctions policy regarding privacy violations?<\/h2>\n<p><span>  \u200bTo obtain valid authorizations for disclosures of personal health information<\/li>\n<li>Failure to\u2062 maintain a compliant \u2062sanctions policy regarding \u200cprivacy violations<\/li>\n<li>Violating the Indiana Deception, Misrepresentation, and Concealment Act<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, restitution, and \u200cinjunctive relief to ensure \u200b\u200bIU\u200d Health&#8217;s compliance\u200d with \u200bpatient \u2063privacy laws. \u2064It\u2063 also\u2062 calls for \u2064a\u200d permanent injunction \u2062to\u200c prevent similar \u200b\u200cprivacy breaches in the future.<\/p>\n<p>Privacy is\u200b a fundamental right for \u2063all patients, and healthcare providers have\u2062 a duty to protect this right. Violations \u200bof\u200d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/indiana-ag-sues-hospital-system-for-patient-privacy-and-hippa-violations\/\" title=\"Indiana's AG sues hospital system over patient privacy and HIPAA breaches.\">patient privacy laws erode trust<\/a>\u200d in the healthcare system \u200cand impede patients&#8217; ability\u2064 to seek\u2062 necessary care \u2064without fear of their personal\u2064 information being publicly disclosed.<\/p>\n<p>This lawsuit serves as a \u2062reminder to all healthcare professionals\u200b and institutions to\u2064 prioritize patient privacy\u200c and strictly adhere to\u200c privacy laws and \u200dregulations. It underscores \u200dthe importance \u2064of obtaining valid authorizations from patients before disclosing \u2062any personal health information.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, this\u200d case highlights the need \u2062for appropriate training and education on patient privacy laws for all healthcare employees. The \u200dconfusion among IU Health employees regarding the boundaries of patient privacy laws suggests\u2064 a lack of understanding and \u200cawareness of their legal \u200cobligations. It is crucial for healthcare institutions to provide\u200d comprehensive\u200c training to\u2062 their workforce to ensure compliance with privacy\u2063 laws and protect patient\u2063 confidentiality.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, Indiana Attorney\u200b General Todd \u2063Rokita&#8217;s lawsuit against\u2064 Indiana University Health\u200b and IU\u200b Healthcare Associates sends a strong message that\u2063 patient privacy violations will not be\u200b tolerated.\u200d Healthcare providers must respect their patients&#8217; privacy rights and take necessary \u2062steps to safeguard \u2063confidential information. Upholding patient privacy is not \u2064only a legal obligation but also essential \u200cfor maintaining trust in the healthcare\u200c system and ensuring \u2062patients&#8217; access\u2063 to quality care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the state&#8217;s biggest hospital system, accusing it of breaching patient privacy laws. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims that Indiana University Health and IU Healthcare violated these laws when a doctor publicly disclosed the details of an abortion performed on an Ohio girl who had traveled to Indiana.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2052,"featured_media":2036332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2036331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-epoch-times"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2036331","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2036331"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2036331\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2036332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2036331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2036331"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2036331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}