Cellphone photos of surgery prompt inquiry

Carle Foundation Hospital, of Urbana, Ill., has investigated three instances where surgical team members shared pictures taken on their own cellphones with other surgical employees. In all three cases, the photographs were requested by the surgeon involved for legitimate purposes and Carle’s authorized photography equipment wasn't working or was unavailable. However, some surgical staff members shared photos on their cellphones, and some employees who saw the pictures weren't involved in the surgery or direct care of the patient. Carle's investigation determined no patient privacy rights were violated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Source:  News-Gazette