Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone

Tag Archives: electronically stored information

HIPAA Violation Results in $65k Settlement

The loss of an unencrypted laptop computer containing protected health information off the back bumper of an ambulance belonging to West Georgia Ambulance Inc., resulted in a federal investigation into HIPAA violations and a settlement agreement requiring the company to pay $65,000.

Burning Question on Cellphone and Social Media Privacy

Today’s burning question: Can the fire department look at what is on my cellphone or order me to given them access to what I post on my personal social media page? Answer: As a general rule no. However, there are exceptions. Take, for instance, a case decided last week involving a Florida firefighter.

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

Name
First Last
Email*
Address*
State
Job Title
Company
CAPTCHA