We posted last week regarding an emerging story that involves the alleged sale of private and legally protected hospital patient information to attorneys for the purpose of soliciting legal work. While the news caught many by surprise, it also seems to have caught the attention of the FBI. An update was subsequently released that told of how federal investigators are now looking into the matter to determine what happened.
According to the Las Vegas Sun:
“The FBI said Friday that it has begun “evaluating” the unauthorized release of confidential patient records after officials at University Medical Center met with them in an attempt to determine how the materials have been compromised.
“We have been contacted by UMC and they have provided us information regarding it,” said FBI Special Agent Joseph Dickey. “And we are evaluating it. I can acknowledge that we are discussing it.”
Dickey said he could not confirm whether the FBI had officially opened an investigation into the matter, which arose after allegations in The Sun on Friday detailed how private patient information from UMC had been leaking for months, allegedly in order to help lawyers find new clients.”
While the sale of this information to attorneys for solicitation violates attorney ethical rules on several levels potentially and could involve a violation of HIPAA, which is a federal law that specifically protects this sort of information, there is also the prospect of what can happen to this information after it’s leaked onto the black market. Simply put, this sort of information in itself is a potential commodity.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by the misdeeds of trusted professionals, you need the help of Las Vegas personal injury attorneys who understand how to properly fight for clients’ rights, even in complicated situations that involve federal laws and other regulations. Contact Jack Bernstein & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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