employer making me tell coworkers my problem
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: cleveland, oho
Posts: 57
employer making me tell coworkers my problem
My ex-employer forced me to go to all of the people that worked for me when I got out of rehab and tell them that I had a drinking problem and was in rehab....... I am an alcoholic for sure. But was that necessary?? Has anyone else been put in that situation. It still bothers me. Was it right? Was it lawful? Or does it really matter?
RIP Sweet Suki
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: In my sanctuary, my home
Posts: 39,902
I don't know the answers to those questions, but if it is legal, it shouldn't be. I think I'd be looking for another job. What an asshat!
Oops, just realized you said ex-employer. Yeah, but he's still an asshat.
Oops, just realized you said ex-employer. Yeah, but he's still an asshat.
Choosing Life
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 1,435
What a humiliating experience. I think that was completely out of line to make you do that. I'm glad this butthead is your EX employer - I wouldn't want to work for someone like that. It's tough enough dealing with this addiction without everyone you know (whether you want them to know or not) finding out about it. It will be much easier for you to continue with your sobriety away from the probing eyes of your ex co-workers.
Wishing you all the best on your journey to recovery.
Wishing you all the best on your journey to recovery.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,560
I thought those things were to be kept confidential. Can't imagine what he hoped to accomplish by humiliating you ryan. I'm sorry it happened, & that you were hurt by it when you're trying to heal.
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 14,919
Actually HIPPA is a Federal law and I suspect that this is a clear HIPPA violation. If it were me, I'd be talking to an attorney. That might be an over reaction on my part, but I spend a lot of time in the legal arena so that's how I think.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: the west coast
Posts: 22
Wow, I would absolutely pursue legal action. A complete violation of medical privacy laws. So sorry you had to go through that! Seriously, though, I would really consider talking to a lawyer, especially if it had anything to do with why you left the job.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,126
A previous poster was correct; the medical privacy laws are Federal (the same laws for all states). However, they're not HIPA, nor HIPPA; it's HIPAA (which stands for the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
You should see an attorney, tho. From my understanding, employers aren't covered under HIPAA. I believe those who must comply with HIPAA regulations are any healthcare entity that electronically processes, stores, transmits, or receives medical records, claims or remittances. The rules/regulations of HIPAA are to be followed by doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.
Regarding one's privacy, The Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals medical records and other personal health information. The Privacy Rule applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers that conduct health care transactions electronically.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information, and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization.
The Privacy Rule also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections.
The above is just general information regarding HIPAA, therefore requesting specific information from a qualified attorney is best; an employer might fall into one of the above categories somehow..........who knows.........it's all greek to me............
(o:
NoelleR
You should see an attorney, tho. From my understanding, employers aren't covered under HIPAA. I believe those who must comply with HIPAA regulations are any healthcare entity that electronically processes, stores, transmits, or receives medical records, claims or remittances. The rules/regulations of HIPAA are to be followed by doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.
Regarding one's privacy, The Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals medical records and other personal health information. The Privacy Rule applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers that conduct health care transactions electronically.
The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information, and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization.
The Privacy Rule also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records, and to request corrections.
The above is just general information regarding HIPAA, therefore requesting specific information from a qualified attorney is best; an employer might fall into one of the above categories somehow..........who knows.........it's all greek to me............
(o:
NoelleR
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 1,387
Ryan,
What the hell....you have got to be kidding me. I agree that you need to check the legality of this, and also examine why you went along with it. I hope that I would have told them to take a long walk off a short pier...
What the hell....you have got to be kidding me. I agree that you need to check the legality of this, and also examine why you went along with it. I hope that I would have told them to take a long walk off a short pier...
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,964
you may be able to take action & prevent future abuse.
my sponsor reminds me I am an open book. I disagree, but I live on borrowed time. some things are confidential. maybe employer is one of us, old school.
best wishes on your sober journey!
hugs & love,
my sponsor reminds me I am an open book. I disagree, but I live on borrowed time. some things are confidential. maybe employer is one of us, old school.
best wishes on your sober journey!
hugs & love,
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