Protection from Abuse

DMK · October 2003

If an employee has a protection from abuse order on someone, are we permitted to ask for a picture of the person and still be HIPAA compliant?

Sunny · October 2003

You may want to consult your attorney but I don't see why this would violate HIPAA. The order of protection is not a medical issue. It would be a logical step for you to protect your employees by showing a picture to your receptionist and/or security personnel to assure the individual doesn't gain entry to your premises.

marc · October 2003

I agree with Sunny, this is reasonable. We have done this in our workplace with the blessing of the local gendarmes - although it was before HIPPA was enacted.

Rockie · October 2003

No problem. This doesn't have anything to do with HIPAA.

marc · October 2003

I did not think so either, I was just framing my answer in terms of the original post.

bounce · October 2003

I don't see how this would be a HIPPA violation. Having a picture to identify the offender in no way implies that you've received protected health or medical information. If anything, I would be more worried about the possiblity of the offender showing up and causing harm to anyone.

Protection from Abuse

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