Although Largo, Fla.-based Suncoast Hospital shut its doors in 2012, former patients are still concerned about the security of their medical records, 8 On Your Side reports.
The hospital, which is now owned by Largo (Fla.) Medical Center, has been abandoned with rooms still filled with old medicine vials, needles, collapsed ceilings and old medical records. Neighbors said kids frequent the old, decaying building, and homeless people camp inside it.
"My wife had three of the kids out there. And she also had cataract surgery at Suncoast," Bill Nightingale, a local resident, told 8 On Your Side. "Your records are supposed to be secure. It's sitting in a house that's open to homeless people and kids in the neighborhood. That violates HIPPA, which is federal mandate and that ain't good."
A Largo Medical Center hospital spokesperson said officials believe the former hospital is secure and steps have been taken to ensure the property and the building's contents are safe, including posting a security guard to keep watch. There is also a proposal to demolish the dilapidated building.
According to HIPAA, the organization that once owned Suncoast Hospital is responsible for records management.
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