Question R

[Jonetta]

A receptionist at the clinic Sam visited in college sold the information to a reporter about her intention to get an abortion before she miscarried. Even though they handled it, should they seek retribution for the illegal disclosure of medical information covered by privacy laws? Your opinion of how Nick chose to handle it?

[Anita]

They should prosecute her to the fullest extent of the law. Make it public and painful so they make this receptionist is an example. I hope she got paid a lot of money because she should never work in the medical profession again.

[Robin]

Yes, they should definitely press charges against the receptionist at the clinic. Maybe even the clinic itself depending how they handle the situation.

[Sharon]

They need to prosecute. Every patient has a right to privacy.

I know this happens, but it makes me sick. Sam can sue the woman for whatever money she received for leaking the information. I know neither Nick nor Sam need the money, but they can give it to a charity.

I used to work in healthcare. One time, two doctors were talking about a patient in an elevator, and mentioned her name. It was an impromptu consult. A patient's friend was in the elevator at the time. Both doctors were asked to leave the hospital. The patient was in for mental health issues, which she was trying to hide from her employer. The hospital and the doctors were both sued. The hospital developed a new policy, and every employee had to sign the policy and agree never to discuss a patient in a public area.

[Lauren]

Prosecuted and sued. There is no excuse for violating a patient's confidentiality, and to do it for money is despicable.