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When HIPAA Works Against Victims Of Abuse

By July 28, 2014February 9th, 2017Nursing Home Abuse

HIPAA – the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – was signed into law in 1996. Important privacy protections under HIPAA include prohibitions against the sharing of patient information without full patient consent. Tragically, these provisions are being exploited in cases across the nation to protect care facilities against liability in cases of nursing home abuse.

HIPAA requires patient consent before medical records can be shared, but what happens when a patient is incapable of giving consent due to a medical condition? This is exactly what has occurred in the case of a 76-year-old victim of sexual assault in a nursing home who, due to advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia, has been unable to give permission. The end result? Attorneys rushing to defend the nursing home against both criminal investigations and civil claims.

The Seattle nursing home abuse attorneys at the Hornbuckle Firm have no tolerance for the mistreatment of the elderly and are prepared to fight tiredly for the rights of those abused by trusted car providers. If you suspect a loved one is suffering any form of mistreatment at their care facility, we are here to take your case as far as necessary to see that justice is served.

If you are in need of a nursing home abuse attorney in Seattle or surrounding areas of Washington, please contact the Hornbuckle Firm for a free consultation today.

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The Hornbuckle Firm

1408 – 140th Place NE, Suite 250
Bellevue, Washington 98007

Phone: (425) 679-0742

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