Tag Archives: HIPAA

Court Rejects Suit Against Illinois Firefighters Over Photo Taken of Shooting Victim

A lawsuit filed against two Cicero Fire Department paramedics and a retired lieutenant for taking and sharing a photo of a victim who was shot at a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020, has been dismissed. The suit was brought by the family of Victor Cazares, who was shot and killed while trying to protect a local grocery store from rioters on June 1, 2020.

Fire Law Roundup – February 14, 2022

In this episode, Brad and Curt discuss the third lawsuit arising out of the Kansas City (MO) triple fatal apparatus accident; the suspension of a Pennsylvania volunteer fire company over racist remarks; a Houston investigation into a social media post ...

Suit Alleges NY EMT Posted Confidential Patient Info on Facebook

A New York man who was transported to the hospital on Thanksgiving Day, 2019, has filed suit against FDNY and an EMT alleging that the EMT posted his confidential medical information on Facebook. Jermaine Williams is suing FDNY and EMT Diane Wagerik in New York Supreme Court.

NY Captain Denied Promotion Due to Medical Emergency Sues Claiming Race and Disability Discrimination

An African American fire captain with the Albany Fire Department whose promotion to battalion chief was rescinded after he suffered an off-duty medical emergency, has filed suit alleging race discrimination and disability discrimination.

Burning Question: COVID 19 and HIPAA Hysteria

Today’s Burning Question: Does HIPAA allow first responders to be notified of critical information such as the addresses of positive covid-19 patients? Answer: HIPAA Hysteria… I do not know why HIPAA gets blamed for being a boogey-man, but HIPAA does not prohibit fire and EMS personnel from conveying necessary information to each other.

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.

Atlanta Expose Into EMS Dark Humor Facebook Groups

An Atlanta area television station has been investigating EMS personnel sharing images and information protected by medical confidentiality laws in social media. Channel 11’s investigation into former Grady Hospital paramedic Amanda Courtright has widened to other EMS services around the country.

10th Circuit Rules Denver Fire Officer Did Not Violate ADA Confidentiality

The 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that a Denver Fire Department captain did not violate the Americans With Disabilities Act by informing firefighters that a colleague was suffering from PTSD. The decision handed down on February 7, 2018 upheld on narrow factual grounds a US District Court ruling...

Pacemaker Data Admissible in Ohio Arson Prosecution

A judge in Ohio has ruled that medical information from a pacemaker can be used as evidence in a criminal case over the objection patient. The case involves an arson prosecution where the defendant claims he was in bed when the fire started, but a cardiologist’s review of his pacemaker data makes that claim “highly improbable”.

Post Accident Drug Testing in the Headlines

Today’s burning question: After an apparatus accident last week and I was sent for routine drug/alcohol testing. The local newspaper wrote an article about the accident naming me as the driver and indicating that I was sent for drug testing. The way it was written implied I was sent because I did something wrong.

Medical Confidentiality and HIPAA Hysteria

Today’s burning question: I work for a fire department as a Firefighter – Paramedic. We have a quality assurance program in place for EMS. The department has EMTs doing quality assurance reviews on medical reports submitted by the Paramedics. In addition, ...

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