AZ Hospital Workers Fired for Accessing Victims’ Records

TUCSON, Ariz. (The Blaze/AP) — Three employees at the University Medical Center in Arizona have been fired for accessing the confidential medical records of victims in the shooting rampage.

Hospital officials said Wednesday that three clinical support staff members inappropriately accessed electronic records at the facility where Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and other victims of the mass shooting are being treated.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that a contracted nurse also was fired by her employer. The families of the patients have been notified.

Hospital spokeswoman Katie Riley wouldn’t say how many patients were affected. Officials say they aren’t aware of any confidential patient information being publicly released.

“Any potential breaches of patient privacy by UMC staff will be investigated and appropriately addressed,” a hospital news release says.

“With advances in technology, ensuring patient privacy has become the focus of hospitals nationwide. UMC uses sophisticated technology to help prevent and detect inappropriate access to patient information.”

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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com