HIPAA and reporting theft by a patient

Written by Reed Tinsley | March 4, 2010

 

A patient steals the wallet of a health care worker while at the hospital.  The credit cards are used before they can be canceled.  The health care worker views the videotape at one of the stores and recognizes the patient.   Can the health care worker report the theft and indicate the name of the person seen on the tape (and no more)? The answer is yes. Section 164.512(f) states that a covered entity may disclose to a law enforcement official protected health information that the covered entity believes in good faith constitutes evidence of criminal conduct that occurred on the premises of the covered entity.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

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