Copy of Three Settlements & A Common Thread

The OCR announced today that they settled with three hospitals as a result of unauthorized disclosure while ABC was filming a documentary. Digital images are considered ePHI and while that might be splitting hairs (it's all PHI in the end), patient consent must be obtained before they are recorded or photographed. This isn't the first time that a hospital has been held accountable for these circumstances and it's good to see the OCR protecting patients. Click the DoHHS logo below to read the OCR press release and each of the three settlements.