employee medical files

sohappytobe

I've always worked in healthcare and have kept all personnel files along with employee medical files. During State and JCAHO surveys I (HR) was asked for the employee medical files, which I delivered and I have never been reprimanded for having access to them. I am wondering (under the new HIPPA regs) if HR can still be the keeper of employee medical files or does it have to be the Infection Control Nurse.

Balloonman

I don't know about in a hospital environment, by has the HR Director I have it set up so that I am the only one who is allowed to view them. As I view it, there is no need for a supervisor or manager to see someones medical file.
My $0.02 worth.
DJ The Balloonman

HRPeg

In HR, you will have situations in which you have access to health information that is not protected by HIPAA such as FMLA paperwork, insurance information for claims problems, etc. Keep these separate from personnel files and you will be fine.

Don D

I agree that HR is the ONLY place medical files should be, in health care or otherwise. The infection control nurse might be the last place you'd want the files. I cannot imagine these files being in the control of any other department. HIPAA by no means restricts YOU from having the information.

sohappytobe

thank you all kindly