The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (also known as HIPPA) was enacted in 1996. As usual, what it was intended to do and how it  has played out among the administrators of medicine, the insurance companies, and the laywers, might be two different things. As a physician, it has been a nightmare. Let me explain one aspect.

If I was an incompetent physician who carelessly cut off the wrong leg tomorrow during your surgery, I would be in trouble. You would be angry (rightfully so), a law suit would appropriately be filed, and an inquiry ensue. BUT, I would still be working tomorrow. 

Now let’s pretend that I did something far less serious–at least I say it is–and talked to someone else about your personal health issues. “Did you hear that Barbara has irritable bowel syndrome?” At my place of employment, spirred on by federal penalties that can reach up to $50,000.00 per incident, I am gone today.  

That’s right. I am gone today! In our work place, there is a zero-tolerance policy. I am history. Now does that make sense to anybody? Many of you already know how senseless this policy has been interpreted as you have been kept at bay when inquiring about a close loved one and their health, not for purpose of gossip but actual concern.  

Let’s be very careful who we elect and what policies they might endorse. The mob (read federal government) has no brain.