GA Supreme Court Rules HIPAA Preempts State Medmal Law:May 21, 2007 A Georgia statute that requires a medical information release be filed with state medical malpractice actions is invalid as conflicting with HIPAA,

Employee Sues Over Access To Records By Physician Lover-wannabe:Mar 12, 2007 A Massachusetts hospital employee has filed suit in Berkshire Superior Court against a physician, alleging that he unethically reviewed her medical records at the hospital because he was romantically interested in her.

Nursing Home Employee Pleads Guilty To Stealing Credit Cards Of Patients:Feb 27, 2007 A night-shift employee at an Encinitas, CA, nursing home has admitted she took credit cards from elderly residents

Hospitals Usually Not Insured Against HIPAA Security And Identity Theft Incidents:Dec 11, 2006 Most hospitals are uninsured or seriously under-insured for computer security breaches or employee identity theft exposures. By Stephen A. Frew JD.

Hospital Employee Targets Wealthy Patients For Identity Theft:Dec 11, 2006 Felony identity theft charges have been brought against Wisconsin hospital patient representative.

State Disclosure Law Trumps HIPAA:Jun 29, 2006 State officials cannot block disclosure of mandated public access information. By Stephen A. Frew.

Clinton Bill Would Allow Patient Suits For HIPAA Violations:Jun 29, 2006 The bill would make it easier for suits by setting a presumption of damages rather than requiring proof of specific damages.

Does Privacy Law Have Any Teeth?:Jun 5, 2006 Is OCR leaving medical privacy at risk?

Hacker Pleads Guilty To Taking Over Hospital Computers:May 15, 2006 Hacker seizes control of ICU, surgery access, and physician pagers.

Woman Pleads Guilty To Selling Health Information:Apr 6, 2006 A Texas woman pleaded guilty on March 6, 2006 to a felony HIPAA violation by attempting to sell the identities of an FBI agent from their health records to drug dealers.

Can You Charge Lawyers More For Copies Under HIPAA Than Others?:Feb 13, 2006 Lawyers in California filed a class action lawsuit against a private records copy service that charged fees in excess of the cost-based records fees specified by HIPAA regulations. The firm charged 31 cents per page and a $24 administrative fee.

Pharmacy Release Of Patient Records Held Actionable:Jan 30, 2006 Court case finds duty NOT to disclose

HMO Subject To State Freedom Of Information Act In Connecticut:Dec 19, 2005 The state Freedom of Information Commission ruled this week that four private health maintenance organizations that run state-funded Medicaid health networks must share some of their documents with the public. On Thursday, state officials sent new contract amendments to that effect to the HMOs. By GARRET CONDON, Courant Staff Writer.

DOJ Issues Opinion On Criminal Prosecution For HIPAA Violations:Oct 12, 2005 US Justice Department defines when healthcare providers may be arrested and prosecuted for criminal violations of HIPAA. By US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

CMS Starts HIPAA Complaint Data Base:Jul 13, 2005 HIPAA complaints database By Federal Register July 6, 2005-- CMS.