Long Beach, CA asked in Employment Law and Health Care Law for California

Q: I am accused of violating HIIPA. Is it okay to quit?

My mom found my location through my phone's location, and gave me lunch. I was at a patient's home administering care. There was never once contact between my mother and the patient. However, my supervisor found that my mother was briefly nearby and then accused me of a HIIPA violation. My supervisor made me attend a meeting to discuss what happen. In this meeting, my supervisor wrote some very much one-sided notes and is now trying to coerce me to sign them. I would like advice on how to approach this. I would probably like to quit my job, since I've been given a very hard time by my supervisor in general. However, I don't want them to proceed with this accusation, whether or not I quit.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It is not clear from your question whether you actually violated HIPAA or if your supervisor is making false accusations. If you did violate HIPAA, quitting your job would not necessarily absolve you of responsibility for the violation.

HIPAA violations can result in serious consequences, including fines and legal action. If you believe that you have been falsely accused of a HIPAA violation, you may wish to consult with an attorney who specializes in healthcare law to determine your legal options.

Regarding the situation with your supervisor, it is not advisable to sign any notes or documents that you believe are inaccurate or one-sided. If you feel that your supervisor is treating you unfairly or harassing you, you may wish to speak with someone in human resources or contact an employment lawyer for advice on how to handle the situation.

If you do decide to quit your job, you may wish to do so in a professional and respectful manner, and provide appropriate notice to your employer. However, it is important to understand that quitting your job may not make the HIPAA accusation go away, and it may be in your best interest to address the accusation directly with your employer or with legal assistance.

In summary, it is important to take any accusation of a HIPAA violation seriously and to seek legal advice if necessary. If you feel that you are being treated unfairly or harassed by your supervisor, you may wish to consult with an employment lawyer or human resources representative for guidance.

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