Last year, one of my coworkers had some pretty major surgery. For a while he was in very serious condition and we all were quite worried about him. Each day, this guys wife would send an email to one coworker at the office who would post the daily update on the sick coworker’s empty office door. For many of us it was our first stop in the morning to read how he was doing.
After a week or so, someone from HR stopped the daily posting, citing that it may violate the government’s new HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines. At the time, I remember being upset about this and couldn’t believe that an employee’s family wanting coworkers to know about their loved-one’s health status might be breaking federal law.
So I looked it up and quickly realized that HIPAA guidelines may actually be MORE complicated that the current Tax Code. It is so complex and convoluted; you can easily see why discussing health status these days is as taboo as talking about communism back in the 1950s. You feel that you have to whisper, or go behind closed doors (with a radio on for background noise) just to ask a coworker how they, or someone in their family, is doing.
Therefore, in an effort to get around all the bureaucratic red-tape, I created this blog-site to communicate to my family and friends how I am doing. Coworkers, just beware, using the company internet might be breaking Section II, Article IV, Sub Clause B, Item 4, Subset d of the HIPAA guidelines!
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2 comments:
THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG WITH AMERICA TODAY! Might just offend someone.
Ok next time I'm walking down the hall I won't feel so bad when I ask " how ya doing" cause I might just offend someone!.
Hummmm. now I realize why those auditors and Corp folks across the yellow brick road don't acknowedge you in tha hallways; might not want to 'break any laws or offend someone' by asking "how are you". Wish we could step back to the 50's and 60's again.
Hey Jeff and Dana
Its quite in the Chumley house and thats not always the case with 3 kids, chickens, and Jeff. Your whole family has been in our prayers. Well the Redsox are out and Jeff will be going to the field on Saturday to see the outcome. We have a feeling its going to be a great game. He looks to see your team in it. Jeff what is it with the Spring and the hospital? Look forward to seeing you soon. Dana fell free to call when you need an extra hand in the concession stand I promise not to bring Adam for he will cost me to much money eating. Lord knows it would be nice to see him run to 1st without being out of breath. Good luck to you all and your in our hearts.
Your Friends
Barbara & Jeff
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