Governance & Risk Management , Privacy
Records Snoops Fired at Tucson Hospital
University Medical Center Treating Rep. Giffords
A spokesman for University Medical Center in Tucson said the hospital will not discuss whose records the staff members and the contracted nurse viewed. But the announcement of the action was posted prominently on a section of the medical center's website labeled "incident command site" that's devoted to coverage of treatment of Giffords and other shooting victims.
"We are not aware of any confidential patient information being released publicly," the hospital said in its statement. "The families of all patients whose information was accessed have been notified. Any potential breaches of patient privacy by UMC staff will be investigated and appropriately addressed."
The statement also noted: "With advances in technology, ensuring patient privacy has become the focus of hospitals nationwide. UMC uses sophisticated technology to help prevent and detect inappropriate access to patient information."
