Healthcare facilities rely on medical and administrative personnel to maintain standards in compliance with local and federal laws. Despite having stringent regulations, the system can remain vulnerable to human error when providing treatments, giving patients emotional support, upholding safety and being thorough with the necessary paperwork. Licensed nurses play pivotal roles in these functions but may make mistakes or commit offenses, including HIPAA violations.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient privacy and security, covering healthcare providers and other entities that work with their data. All facilities use identifying and medical information to administer treatments and update records properly, which nurses often do.
Can I lose my license?
If you are a nurse who committed a HIPAA offense, you may lose your license based on the situation. It significantly hinges on the details of the violation. The relevant agency can only include license-related penalties depending on the offense’s severity. Usually, only violations that are criminal or qualify as gross misconduct can put a license at risk.
Still, the penalties for these violations can vary from case to case. Some offenses can call for severe sanctions if the offenses happen repetitively, making them habitual. The employer and licensing board can also deliberate rigorously before finalizing and issuing any penalties.
Knowing how to approach HIPAA violations
If you are a nurse facing HIPAA violations and other complaints, it can be helpful to seek legal counsel immediately. Proper guidance can help you know what to do when navigating the process, no matter how complex. Legal insight can also be valuable, helping you gauge whether the penalties are proportionate to your violation’s severity.
