Health record snoop viewed 120 patients' files, CDHA says

From The Hants Journal:

The Capital District Health Authority is in the process of advising 120 patients that their medical records files were viewed by a former Hants Community Hospital employee without authorization.

A Feb. 14 press release issued by Capital Health explains that the authority learned of the privacy breaches through "an extensive audit of the activities of this individual."

Capital Health spokesperson John Gillis says an investigation into the former employee's actions began in the fall, after co-workers raised concerns. Initial investigations found that the health information worker, who served at the Hants Community Hospital, QEII in Halifax and Cobequid Community Health Centre, accessed the confidential health records of 15 patients.

Gillis says the health information management board has continued to look into the matter and recently learned that 120 patient files were accessed over a six-year period starting in 2005. Capital Health mailed letters out to the patients this week to notify them of this discovery.

"They can contact our privacy officer to learn more about the particulars of what's been accessed in their case and if there's support that people require, whether it be emotional support in dealing with stress or what have you, we can help direct them," he said, speaking of the letter recipients.

Gillis confirmed that some health records were viewed at the Hants Community Hospital, but he could not specify how many of the patients affected by this privacy breach live in Hants County.

He said Capital Health has looked into taking legal action.

"We've investigated the possibilities and the advice we have is there isn't a way to lay charges under the legislation that exists," Gillis said.

"Our understanding is there is not a criminal offense that's occurred the way the legislation exists."

Gillis says this type of breach in patient confidentiality is extremely rare, and the health district's 400,000 patients can rest assured the guilty party is no longer with the health authority.

Capital Health is implementing Fairwarning software to enhance the process through which audits are conducted.