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My mom who is in a SNF was recently mistakenly(?) diagnosed with KTU. The next day she was diagnosed with "pressure sores." Less than 36 hours later she was visited by 4 former caregivers who no longer work in the SNF Mom is in. Coincidence? Or was her medical information shared by current SNF employees? My brother and I are the only persons listed to receive Mom's medical information.


Today I was informed one of the "former employees" who visited had taken a picture of them with my Mom and posted it to her FB page. I just find this so wrong, am I overreacting again?

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It would be common for current employees to share with ex employees what’s going on. As in How’s Betty, she was my favorite. Then being told Betty ain’t doing doing so good even by snf standards. The ex caregivers it seems just paid her a visit because she stood out to them in a positive way.

So yes, it could be a technical violation of hippa, but it’s also a testimony to how much people do care enough personally to show up.
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zmchipmunk21 Mar 2022
Thank you, I'm REALLY trying to view it that way. There's really no way to find out who released her medical information to the people outside of Mom's list of contacts. I'm just frustrated that people think it's ok to take pictures of the elderly with the intention of posting on their social media pages...for what reason? I recently had to stop a plan from the facility activities director to use a photo of Mom on their business site so I'm probably more sensitive with this matter. I clearly stated in her admittance packet her photo/likeness was NOT to be used in any advertisement or social media but they were planning to do it anyway.
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zmchipmunk21, it could have been a coincidence. The former caregivers could have also visited other residents at the senior nursing facility. Was your Mom able to relate how she felt seeing them? If it had brighten her day, then it was positive.

As for the photo, no you are not overreacting. My Dad's caregiver did the same thing. I kept quiet but on the inside I was livid.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for understanding. I do not believe it was a coincidence but I could be wrong. Mom has not mentioned these particular visitors in name. She's received visits and cards from other past caregivers and is now asking me "am I dying?". Thanks also for honestly sharing your feelings about a similar situation happening in your life. Mom would be horrified to learn a picture of her in a nursing home, clothed in a nightgown was shared on social media...at least the Mom I knew 10 years ago.
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Chipmunk, I'm with you.   Taking photos years ago, before the avalanche of social media sites, was standard.  We did it for remembrance, especially for the good times, good friends, and more.   Today, taking photos has a different dimension, and sometimes not a very healthy one.  

I would agree with you that former caregivers no longer employed have no right to information on your mother.   I rather doubt though that the former caregivers had any thoughts of breaching HIPAA laws.    However, posting on the FB rag (my terms) is totally off limits.   

I would gently explain to the former caregivers that you're a private person, as is your mother, and while you appreciate their visits, you feel that your mother's privacy should be respected and no photos should be taken, and most assuredly, NOT posted to some social medial site.

I had that problem when one of my father's church friends took a photo of Dad with some of his WWII Fortress buddies, then posted it online.  I was livid when I learned of this, called the individual, and who couldn't understand why I thought this was a breach of privacy.   Duh.....
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JoAnn29 Mar 2022
Took in what way? Stole the picture? Took a picture of the picture? Dad posted the picture and the person "borrowed" it?

Stealing the picture is a no no. Taking picture of the picture without permission to take it and post it, a no no. If Dad posted it on social media and the person borrowed it, nothing Dad could do.
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I think posting pics of clients to their personal social media is over the line. Some professions forbid it through their code of ethics. (I'm currently studying ABA Psych and it's not allowed). I think people just want to create content, a moment from their own lives to share with others, and don't think to ask for permission from all relevant parties. You could message them on Facebook and kindly ask them to remove it. I imagine they would.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Mom was a former client, the caregivers in this area tend to "jump around" to wherever the pay/benefits are better. It is my belief this former caregiver may have wanted to do just as you mention...create content/a moment of "look at me". It upsets me she chose to use my mother (in a condition Mom would not have wanted shared) to do so. I honestly don't believe this individual would think they did anything wrong. Maybe in time, I can have a civil discussion but that moment is not now.
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I've worked in two healthcare systems. It does sound like a HIPAA violation and they are obligated to prevent that from happening. You may need to press them on it a bit though. You can remind them if you need to that anyone who violates HIPAA is personally responsible and not protected by their employer. You can personally sue them, the individual people involved.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thank you for your response. I'm still unsure as to how to handle this? I don't know that the SNF Mom is currently in can be held responsible? I have no proof as to how the information may have been shared. I'm considering writing a note to the administrator and the ombudsman (and possibly to others) to explain how "leaking" medical information to previous caregivers can turn into an unhealthy situation for the elderly. Mom now asks if she's dying because all of a sudden she's being contacted/visited by past caregivers who no longer work for the SNF.
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It sounds like a HIPAA violation to me.
The photo is also a violation.
The HIPAA violation I would bring it to the attention of the management and I would also file a complaint.
I would request that the photos on FB be taken down as well.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for responding. I will probably be writing to the administrator/ombudsman and others as to how this "leaking" of medical situation has affected both my Mom and the family. Maybe in the future I will be able to speak to the FB poster and try to explain what the repercussions have been. I'm not sure it will have an impact at this time.
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Sue them? Good grief! What *actual* damage can poster prove in a court of law?

Chipmunk - the caregiver community is typically small with word spreading fast when someone is nearing the end of life. It will be very, very, very expensive and time consuming for you to prove that anyone violated HIPAA and that your mother was damaged by a violation even if it happened.

Forget Facebook! Focus on the fact that four people visited her - showed her warmth and kindness - at her end of life. Thank everyone at your mother's SNF for their care and attention. You will reap what you sow.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
I'm confused? "Sue them"? I don't think I ever stated that, did I? Where did that come from please?
I understand that unless someone would come forward there is no legal standing.
I constantly thank the staff who currently care for Mom at her SNF for the compassion and care they give to Mom. I have no problem with her past caregivers visiting her. My heart breaks that they think they knew the woman she was who would never have wanted a picture of her shared on social media in a nursing home bed, gown, with supplemental oxygen. It is saddening that she may be remembered as such when this is not what she would have wanted. Now I deal with the question from Mom "am I dying?"
It was a possibly an "incorrect diagnosis" initially which may have been the info shared to former caregivers? The call my brother and I received was she had developed a KTU. The following day the wound doctor diagnosed it as a "pressure sore" (bed sore). She still has many other medical conditions but I continue to hope she will improve.
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I've been a compliance officer in a hospital. Unless a person is admitted as "Jane Doe" their presence in a medical facility is not confidential information and not a violation. It would be impossible to prove this situation as a violation. You have to prove someone called or made inquiries and then prove what they were told. The former caregivers visiting may have been a coincidence.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for responding. I was under the impression that even during a hospital stay the resident's information was limited to only those listed and holding a code. This is new information to me, thanks for letting me know this isn't the case. I cannot believe the visit by 4 former caregivers at the same time shortly after Mom's diagnoses was a coincidence but legally it may be seen as such. I am aware any legal standing would be impossible.
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What I see hear is an aide hearing Mom had KTU called former caregivers to tell them "Mrs. S is not doing well" that is not a HIPPA violation. The violation maybe if the person mentioned she had KTU. I agree that you should just let this go. Seems Mom was well loved and it was so nice her former caregivers came to visit her.

My daughter worked at the local Hospital. She got a list of patients every day. Some people I knew but she could not tell me they were there. If I asked, she could confirm they were there.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. I am understanding that former caregivers form bonds with their clients. I know there is no legal standing, this makes me sad as there are so many restraints in my state "protecting the elderly" that do not. I'm glad your daughter is ethical and does not release medical information. This has caused a severe reaction to my sibling who now deals with some emotional issues that people who are not family suddenly show up and has Mom asking "am I dying?"
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How sad.

Someone who knows your mom and cares about her enough to visit, is accused by you of wrongdoing for a truly petty reason. I bet when you put her there you justified the decision thinking she would have interactions and people around her and she wouldn’t be lonely.

isn’t it possible that the former care workers were there at the facility visiting all their former patients out of kindness? How nice, especially for the people who have only rare visits from family members.

Instead of being grateful for the interaction and entertainment for your mom, you want to sue? How will that help your mom? What are the damages that you expect to recover? How could this help your mom? Are you ready to move her before you file suit?

From whom do you demand this privacy? She is in a nursing home, with a multitude of caregivers all with access to her records. Family and former friends even readers of this forum would expect, without a shred of further information that she is EOL or why would she be in a SNL?
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
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The people who care for my mom all say she is so sweet. The staff in the facility she lives in tell me that mom is well liked. My mom has very little memory of her day, but her face lights up with joy when someone talks to her. She sometimes goes along- assuming she knows the person, but sometimes she will ask “remind me again-who are you?” I am grateful for the people who have thought of her and make their presence known to her with visits. Mom is very private and very much an introvert. She is best with one/one communication and visitors. When I was in my 20’s, I worked in a nursing home and I became very close to some of the residents. Compassion is a gift and the people I cared for responded to my interactions. I heard other caregivers admonish the elderly but not treat them poorly, however, the words took away the joy of the elderly. They. Can. Not. Help. Their. Condition. I also saw wordless care for the elderly and my heart hurt for the quiet faces of those being routinely ignored and not spoken to. I know I was young and not jaded at that time, but compassion and kindness is a beautiful thing and I was glad to have it at that time. Over time My jadedness and busyness has caused me to be short with my mom and I regret it. I am reminded of my mom’s joy with friendly caring people on how to be compassionate and kind again. Additionally, it is also a normal thing to take pictures of those we care for and to remember and honor them. I am grateful that mom has compassionate and kind people around her. I believe you feel differently but remember, she still feels love and care from others -and!- they have expressed it to her personally. That takes effort and time when they could have only known and not shared themselves with her. You and I are blessed and fortunate that other people love and care for our moms. :):)
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for responding with your experience! I believe my Mom to be a blessing to those she comes in contact with. Mom would not have wanted a photo of her in a nursing home bed, gown and on oxygen being shared on FB. I feel I have failed her. Admittedly I am not a fan of sharing photos on social media....it's just my personal preference. Mom asked me to protect her from such things and I've failed.
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I am a private person too and have had heated discussions with family members who think it is ok to post photos of me on their Facebook pages without my permission. I always insist they come down. Taking a photo for a memory is a sweet thought but posting on social media is totally wrong. Possible HIPAA violations are difficult to prove but a photo on social media is a blatant violation within this context that should be brought to the attention of the administration and taken down.
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PeggySue2020 Mar 2022
An ex employee put up the fb. They no longer work for the snf, so the snf can’t discipline them.

Id go to the fb pages owner and respectfully request that the images be taken down, as you prefer to see them only in private.
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Before reading the responses below I want to go with my gut here. First I can totally understand your initial concern about the sharing of medical information, you have probably protected that for her for a long time because she didn’t want people knowing she had… But when you think about it at this point she is in a NH and at the end of her life, even if medical professionals are sharing information with other medical professionals no longer attached to her case how can that harm her? These are people she knows, likes, people who have taken care of her and been a part of the knowledgeable professionals about her case.

For me the fact that these big hearted people care enough about your mom to go visit her on their days off is so special and heartwarming I can’t come up with the words. The more people she knows and likes going to visit and especially people who understand any special intricacies of visiting (my mom is very hard of hearing and has aphasia for instance) the better! Filling my moms day with cheer when she is confined to bed and her world has become so small and limited is what I pray for. The staff at this NH obviously loves and cares for your mom it’s just as likely that they remain in touch and current staff knew that these former members wanted to visit and or wanted to stay apprised of how she was doing and either were told in casual conversation that she was having these new painful issues wanted to go cheer her up or simply had planned the visit and timing was just a coincidence. Either way what a blessing for mom to have a welcome distraction from her pain. I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from visiting unless of course they are unwanted by mom, at this point. In fact when it comes to new medical issues especially things that nurses do the most care for like bed sores the more collective experience the better, I can’t count the times that a nurse has had a new way of doing something based on their knowledge and experience that worked much better than the baseline way of doing it. When they like their patient as much as they apparently like your mom and feel comfortable with and welcomed by the family nurses can be a wealth of knowledge and extra care. Why waste your time and emotions getting worked up about what may or may not have happened, fighting for something that just isn’t as important now over welcoming all the care you can get and letting it warm your heart that mom is being embraced by so many people and isn’t alone when you can’t be there. Take a deep breath and welcome the support for you, your brother and mom.
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I am confused. Is the fact that a person is very ill and at the end of their life a shameful secret. The author of the wonderful 13 Pines story was married to a physician who died of dementia. He instructed her to tell anyone and not to make a secret of it, terminal illness and diseases are a part of life as well as dying. The less people avoid mentioning it or visiting the sick or dying, the better. If you feel these pictures were unpleasant to your mother or taking advantage of her somehow, then complain to the powers that be. I would agree that people should be instructed not post social media information without the individual's or family's agreement. But I would try to assess the intention as well as the act.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for responding. Mom was possibly misdiagnosed with the KTU by a wound care nurse in the facility, the official calls went to myself and my brother...unofficial info to who knows? The wound doc visited the facility the following day and diagnosed as a "pressure sore". Dealing with the fallout of a possible mis-diagnosis now, Mom asks "am I dying?" with all her past caregivers visiting suddenly.
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One thing I haven't seen in your question or any of the responses is whether your mother is incompetent. (But then, I don't know what KTU is.) If she is competent couldn't she have given permission for her picture to be taken and posted on social media? I personally don't object to this and I would imagine there are others like me. It seems like the visit could be a coincidence. Did your mother enjoy the visit? Your post reads a little like you are overly suspicious and trying to isolate her.
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JoAnn29 Mar 2022
KTU means there are sores breaking out. This is a sign that death is approaching.
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Not over reacting. Any info from any one involved in your mothers care, including in home caregivers, are restricted from any sharing of her diagnosis and care. Tell them no and if it happens again, you will call your lawyer. On facebook? Really? Nope. Hand them a copy of Hippa so they an educate themselves.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. I wish it were that easy. I recently went thru an experience of the SNF attempts to post a picture of Mom on their business FB page. It was clearly documented in her in-take paperwork they were NOT to use her likeness/verbiage in any advertising (which imho would include social media). Apparently when a SNF is bought by another company they throw those intake documents and don't send new? There are so many protections for the elderly in my state (which are possibly needed in some instances) but handcuff elderly who are loved and have family involvement. It's just frustrating, sorry to be dumping.
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While it technically may be a HIPPA violation, the bigger picture is that your mother is obviously well-loved by her caregivers. However, posting a picture on Facebook is definitely overstepping. That is something the staff should be very aware of. It is worth a mention to the DON or Executive Director of the SNF.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. I know Mom is well-loved and I constantly tell her current caregiving staff how appreciative the family is of the care she receives. I will be sending a document to the administrator of the SNF/ombudsman in the future to describe the repercussions of this has affected the family. No attempt to place blame, just perhaps prevent it from happening to another family in the future.
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My mom has had former caregivers ask to come and visit her. At least 2 of them are hoping that she will give them money or jewelry. I know this because one of them stole from Mom when she worked for her but Mom refused to prosecute. (Her next employer did!) The other one overheard after Dad died that there was a substantial trust fund for Mom's care. He bluntly said he wanted some of that. Mom no longer wanted male caregivers so that was that. zmchipmunk21, If these are people your mother was close with just tell them that you prefer Mom's pictures to not be posted online. If you don't want her medical status to be public tell them that too. Then thank them for the compassionate care they showed Mom when they were with her.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. Yes, Mom has given jewelry to yet another of her caregivers....who will make "dippy eggs" for Mom. Mom has also given gifts of low value to the former caregiver who posted the picture on FB. All items were of low value so I never pursued the situations...just made sure Mom didn't have large amounts of cash of valuables in the SNF. I always try to believe the best in people who give care but am more cautious these days. Maybe in the future I will be able to have a civil conversation with the poster on FB, I would think in the caregiving line of work that would be pounded into them but apparently not? Or perhaps it is just ignored for the momentary adrenaline high they receive with a "look at me" post. Sorry, I'm being a bit nasty as I admittedly dislike these kind of social media posts.
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This is definitely a violation. Find the Ombudsman for that particular region and report this. Posting FB pictures is prohibited. Someone on the SNF is giving people information to former employees who no longer works at the facility. Report this immediately because this is a violation of the patient privacy rights.

I've had clients that I grew to like, but I knew that it was a violation of HIPPA if I was no longer on the case. Once you leave a case or a facility, you are no longer entitled to patient's information or health statuses.

This is covered in Certified Nursing Assistant training.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks so much for your response! I know there is nothing I can do other than possibly inform the facility and ombudsman of the situation and the resulting fallout. Family has to deal with Mom asking if she's dying...hoping she isn't informed about her picture on social media. I'm an old soul who believes in respect and I understand some generational differences. For me, it's a no-brainer...you don't post pictures without asking...and if it's an elder you ask the family before doing so.
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Yes, you are overreacting, IMO.

What is your mother doing living in a SNF to begin with if you don't want her to interact with other people or caregivers who care about her? What's the big deal who knows about her 'medical information' when she's living IN a medical environment, for petesake?

When my folks lived in AL and dad was dying, the caregivers were lined up to come into his room to see him, kiss him, say goodbye to him. Even former employees came back to say goodbye, meaning, yes, someone TOLD them dad was dying! Tears were running down his face out of appreciation for all the love he was being shown. Tears were running down the CGs faces too, for what it's worth. Human beings that work in the care industry wind up having deep rooted feelings for the patients they care for. It's what defines humanity.

Same was true with my mother who lived in the same ALF but in the Memory Care bldg for the past nearly 3 years. The caregivers loved her and spent time after their shifts ended sitting with her! If they were privy to her medical info that they weren't entitled to, for some odd reason, or took a photo of her, WHO CARES? Also, who gives a flying fig if HIPPA violations occurred? The woman was dying; HIPPA and all the rest of the BS flew out her window and all that mattered was love and holding her hand and making sure she was feeling no pain or discomfort. In truth, HIPPA regulations over the years wound up aggravating the snot out of me more often than doing something useful for me.

The 'former employee' who took a picture of them together when visiting your mom and posted it on her FB page was doing something out of LOVE and pride, I think. Not for some sinister reason or as an invasion of your privacy.

Let it go, that's my suggestion, and save your angst for something worthy of it.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
thanks for your response. The problem is the initial diagnosis was an EOL indication which I believe was shared. Then a doctor actually saw Mom and diagnosed as a "pressure wound", not a KTU. (Quite frankly I'm not sure anyone knows but Mom refuses to go to a hospital). End result is now the family is left dealing with questions from Mom if she is dying (which we hope isn't the case) and a former employee posting picture of Mom in bed, gown and on oxygen on social media which Mom would be horrified by. I'm an old soul who believes in respect in asking before I would post such a picture on social media. How long until someone tells Mom such a picture exists and then family needs to deal with those questions as well?
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zmchipmunk21: Imho, you may be overreacting since these former caregivers apparently came to love your mother. She must be a very special lady. However, posting a photo that they took with your mother on social media is a bit much.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. I'm probably an older generation where I believe in the respect of asking before I post a picture of someone else on social media. I understand some think nothing of it, Mom would be horrified to find a picture of her in bed, gown and on oxygen had been shared....at least she would have been 10 years ago. She hasn't much comprehension of the concept of social media and would have probably agreed if asked. Not much I can do at this point.
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I agree with Llamalover and Lealonnie I think you're overreacting. But I would contact the person who posted the picture and ask them to remove from social media.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. I'm probably an older generation where I believe in the respect of asking before I post a picture of someone else on social media...but we're all different.
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Sharing health information is a no-no no matter which health care setting it is. You need to prove that the former caregivers were told her health info. Only way to do that is to ask each one individually. Do you have on file that no photos are to be taken of your loved one without your consent? If not, get that on file and posted in her room. is she limited to family for visitors? If not, then the former caregivers probably went to visit other staff and popped in to say hi.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for responding. No, there is no way for me to prove 4 former caregivers were handed Mom's health condition and "happened" to show up at the same time together for a visit. A month ago I had to reinforce the choices that were documented 7 years ago that no photos/verbiage would be used in the SNF advertising. Apparently those were not transferred or ignored as the SNF went thru numerous ownership transfers. That would not have prevented a former caregiver from taking a picture of Mom in a bed, gown with oxygen and then posting it on social media. Mom would be horrified if she knew....and was the same person she was 10 years ago.
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The overriding issue here is that if this facility violates HIPAA for one person (no matter how well-loved), they are probably doing it for many. While the outcome of the violation in this case may not be harmful it certainly could be in others. It should be reported--not because of any damage done to this patient, but because it might indicate an overall pattern of disregard for the law
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. While I am aware there is no legal standing for this situation, I feel like it perhaps should be brought to light. If it could prevent another family from the turmoil this has caused it would be worth it.
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How in the world do you jump from any diagnosis to former caregivers visiting your Mom ?? Seriously ?? Are you possibly jealous of your mom receiving attention from others ? What if she had long-time friends visit ? Would they too be suspected? Is your mom of sound mind? Even if she isn't, I would be thrilled people cared about my mom and would want to visit her.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. The initial diagnose received was something indicating EOL. It was later diagnosed as a "pressure sore" by a wound doctor. No, I'm not jealous...sorry you got that idea from my post. No one has been stopped from seeing her.
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I have to say that you don't know if any medical information was released, just an FYI, those patient portals that we are all using, are not protected by HIPAA and are usually operated by 3rd party companies, so no medical privacy there. Doesn't stop millions of people from using them though.

This could have been a statement such as, if you want to say goodbye to Mrs. x, you should come visit. No violation in that. Could have been, Mrs. x needs some loving visitors. No medical information needs to be given for people to be asked to visit EOL patients, they do all work in these environments after all.

As for the photo, well, my aunt asked me to take a picture of my dad when we were told he was dying. Uh, not gonna be done by me but, the point being, she has a different perspective about this and I don't believe there is a right or wrong, just differing viewpoints on acceptability.

If your mom is asking about dying, you should be honest and tell her that the doctors think she might be. It's not like she doesn't know that is the end result of all our lives. Give her the opportunity to say or see whatever or whomever she wants or feels she needs to.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Thanks for your response. This wouldn't involve any portals as the SNF doesn't offer those. Trying to get a simple copy of blood work is an effort in itself. Mom has repeatedly refused to move to any other facility. I've never asked any visitors be blocked from seeing her. I want her to have visitors, the picture on FB is what had me upset. Mom would be horrified if she knew...but that was Mom 10 years ago. Nothing can be done I know. Now I just need to deal with the fallout of Mom asking if she's going to die.
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I think I understand what you're asking...to have sudden visitors that you haven't seen in ages show up would certainly give a person a sense that something is off. In fact, when a relative of mine suddenly had visits from people he hadn't seen or spoken to in years had them show up suddenly, his first statement to the doctor was "I'm dying, aren't I?" (He was.)

If your mom asks, you can honestly tell her no, not that you've heard. While it's true that the initial diagnosis looked terminal, the wound doctor confirmed that they are normal pressure sores. So as of the final diagnosis, you have not heard that she is dying.

As for the former employees showing up, perhaps a current employee knew that they cared about your mom & told them that they may want to visit her (after the first diagnosis) and it was just a nice gesture by them because they like her. However, I would be pissed if any of them posted a picture of my mom (especially in bed, not looking very good) anywhere without asking first. Maybe you can get in touch with the poster and ask if she could take the picture down.
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zmchipmunk21 Apr 2022
Yes, I believe you understand why I've asked. The initial diagnosis was a KTU given by a wound nurse at the facility. A wound doctor diagnosed as a bed sore the following morning. This is the third time this year Mom has been stricken with sudden fever, chills and low oxygen...she refuses transfer to a hospital. I'm also dealing with a brother who has not visited in 5+ years, now trying to handle his own emotional turmoil that the reason for not visiting was he just wanted to be happy for a while. He is now angry the initial diagnosis caused all the grandchildren to be notified...they are all adults quite capable of calling or emailing Mom but have rarely done so. Scattered across the country but none have visited for 3+ years. I am personally relieved they are now aware of their Grandmother's condition (selfish of me, I know).
When Mom asked if she was dying, I told her there was nothing to indicate that. Organs are all fine at this point, this time tests are coming back with what I hope are treatable illness. Just frustrating that the apparent release of her medical condition has now brought all this on the family...it wasn't necessary.
Trust me, I am still pissed that someone felt it necessary to post a picture of Mom in bed, gown and on oxygen on social media. I cannot civilly speak to that person currently but maybe in time I can converse in a manner to explain that she may have cared for my Mom but she didn't truly know my Mom. It's not a jealousy situation as some here have suggested (not you), it is a respect thing. I'm very happy Mom has touched many lives and some decided to visit her thinking she was at EOL.
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1. Portals are protected via 3rd party privacy and HIPAA contracts between the networks/doctors and 3rd party vendors. Believe me. It was part of my job for 20 years to get these types of contracts signed by vendors

2. Let’s give the benefit of the doubt here. Could a group of friends who previously worked together visit other friends at a facility? Yep. Could they, as a kindness, have popped in to check on older, lonely folks they previously cared for? Yep. Did they have ask MOM if it was ok to take her photo? Probably.

Occam’s Razor: simplest answer is likely the right one. I do think you are overreacting.
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Isthisrealyreal Apr 2022
They are not all under contract and they do violate them when they are.
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ZMChipmunk, you wrote:

"I recently went thru an experience of the SNF attempts to post a picture of Mom on their business FB page. It was clearly documented in her in-take paperwork they were NOT to use her likeness/verbiage in any advertising (which imho would include social media). Apparently when a SNF is bought by another company they throw those intake documents and don't send new? "

I can't speak to a SNF's practice of substituting or not continuing practices when a purchase occurs as that's an individual acquisition which, beyond the standard acquisition assumptions, could easily be tailored to the business field as well as individual companies involved.

I.e., in one situation, the law firm for which I worked handled an acquisition of a company with an extensive customer base.   Those accounts were included in the acquisition, as were the physical assets.   And they would be documented in the transaction documentation, including filing of a UCC (3, I think) with the State generalizing but including the assets. The last acquisition on which I worked was probably 30 years ago, and a lot could have changed during that time.

But,  language in a UCC-3 at that time could have included all accounts receivable as well as payable, and all other physical assets (tables, chairs, vehicles, etc.) as well as documentation on the receivable assets.   The income from a client for a patient would be a receivable.    And if I remember correctly, there were provisions addressing the assignation and assumption by the purchaser of obligations under those documents.

In other words, the purchasing facility could be obligated under existing contracts and data with clients.

There are 2 potential factors:

1.    The "longevity" of the initial documents, i.e., whether there is  no cutoff date or cutoff provisions, and

2.     The specific language in the acquisition documents as to what obligations, assets, debts, etc. exist and how they are addressed when an acquisition occurs.

BTW, I'm posting this in the mainstream as opposed to responding to your comments below.

Summing it up, the current owner could through acquisition be obligated to the same privacy restrictions and protections as the selling company.
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