In the lawsuit, Gina Graziano alleges a Northwestern Medicine employee gained access to her medical records and illegally sent them to her ex-boyfriend. The ex-boyfriend then posted the her medical information on Twitter, the lawsuit charges.
Northwestern Medicine sent a letter to Ms. Graziano confirming there had been “inappropriate access” to her medical records. The employee, who has since been fired, allegedly accessed the medical records March 5 and 6, 2018.
The lawsuit claims the former employee viewed the medical records for 37 minutes before sending them to the Ms. Graziano’s ex-boyfriend. Police are investigating the incident.
Northwestern Medicine issued the following statement, according to CBS Chicago:
“Protecting the confidentiality of patient information is essential to our mission. Employees are trained to comply with privacy laws and face disciplinary action in accordance with our privacy policy for any violation. Regarding this specific incident, we do not comment on pending litigation.”
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
10 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
Co-owner of medical billing company pleads guilty to drug-testing scheme
Arizona hospitals can’t impose financial liens on patients, court rules
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.