ER Nurse talks about what she knows about Mitch McConnell's condition
(bustednuckles.net)
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I would be happy to accept that patient confidentiality is procedurally identical to classified information. If that is the case, an accusation of a breach of confidence would seem to require confirmation that the person accused had actually been "read in" to the patient's medical status. Had she? We don't normally charge people with security breaches if they are only repeating unregulated common talk.
As I mentioned elsewhere, the only specific information she mentioned was that McConnell had received field CPA, an item that easily could have made its way around Emergency Receiving. The other specific point about the duration of his hospital stay was available from any calendar (as also his age). I would appreciate understanding how reference to either of these items would be "unethical." As for remarking on what she saw as implications of these items of information, that falls under freedom of speech.
As it is, if her account is credited, McConnell is far beyond contact with the human world. Yet, the Democrat image mangers are already putting out news releases that important senators have been having jolly conversations / briefings with him over the telephone, with him responsive and cogent. Frankly, this looks like a Biden-esque medical cover-up.
Who has a right and need to know? McConnell is a public servant, put in office by the public to whom he should answer, so it is the public that has both a right and a need to know. The information should be coming directly from the attending physicians, not from intermediary, self-interested partisan filters (and liars). The only thing unethical I have seen in this affair so far is the willingness of the doctors to deny information to the public who deserve it. I think their fiduciary responsibility points otherwise.
I appreciate your response, but once you are a patient in the hospital, confidentiality among ALL hospital employees must be 100% maintained.
This "Nurse" more likely than not, is no longer employed at this hospital, If she is, I would COMPLETELY lose faith in health care. Anyway, this "Nurse" can absolutely still be held legally and professionally responsible for revealing any information about any patient. Patient privacy laws apply to individuals, not just their current employment status
In addition to desecrating her profession, she made a blatant HIPPA violation, through and through (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which specifically protects Protected Health Information (PHI). HIPPA, btw, was enacted on 8/21/1996 and signed into law by them President Bill Clinton.
Revealing any patient details without authorization can result in significant fines and criminal penalties (including jail time) REGARDLESS of whether this "Nurse" is currently employed by that hospital.
Whether it's Mitch McConnell, Donald Duck or anybody, this "Nurse" (and I cringe when I call her that) is 100l% guilty, and legal action should be pursued. This is my OPINION.