The family of Cynthia Louise Tillet-Knighten, beaten to death in 2009 by a boyfriend, sued OMH, alleging hospital employees shared Ms. Tillet-Knighten’s X-ray autopsy records with other employees. According to the report, the X-rays showed blunt force trauma caused to Ms. Tillet-Knighten’s skull.
OMH countered the autopsy record was only viewed “in a professional capacity.” In Sept. 2010, N.C. Superior Court Judge Benjamin G. Alford ruled in favor of OMH, but the case was taken to an appeals court.
Citing N.C. General Statute 130 A, the appeals court upheld the Superior Court’s decision, arguing the law allows any individual to examine autopsy reports as long as they are supervised and do not make copies.
Related Articles on Privacy:
HHS’ Annual Report on HIPAA Compliance Reveals Top Issues for Investigation
Survey: Insiders Responsible for Most Breaches of Protected Health Information
New California Law Specifies Data Breach Notification Requirements
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
