You're a doctor, hospital administrator, or healthcare executive who's committed to patient safety. But what happens when you witness something that crosses the line, like a colleague casually discussing patient records in public, unauthorized staff accessing confidential charts, or systemic privacy failures that put your entire organization at risk?
Reporting these issues isn't just about ethics; it's about compliance with federal law. But when you speak up, are you protected?
At Mizrahi Kroub LLP, we help healthcare professionals in New York navigate the risks of reporting HIPAA violations and other workplace misconduct. As experienced New York whistleblower lawyers, we fight to protect those who put patient safety and integrity first.
Understanding HIPAA Violations in the Workplace
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created to safeguard sensitive patient information. Violations can occur when:
- Patient data is accessed without proper authorization
- Records are shared via unsecured emails or personal devices
- Medical files are left visible in public areas
- Staff are not properly trained on privacy policies
- Whistleblower reports are ignored or covered up
For example, a New York physician discovered that staff were routinely texting patient photos between departments. When she raised concerns, she was told to "let it go" and focus on her clinical duties. A few months later, she was excluded from major decisions and eventually demoted.
HIPAA violations can have real legal and reputational consequences for both the organization and the individual.
Whistleblower Protections for Healthcare Professionals in New York
Under both federal and New York law, whistleblowers are protected from retaliation when they report misconduct in good faith. That includes:
- Termination
- Demotion
- Denied promotions
- Harassment or intimidation
- Damage to professional reputation
New York's whistleblower protections were expanded in recent years to apply to nearly all employees, not just those in public health or government roles. As a result, doctors, nurses, executives, and administrators who report HIPAA violations or other illegal behavior are covered under the law.
But legal protection is only useful if you know how to use it. That's where we come in.
How Mizrahi Kroub LLP Can Help
As seasoned New York whistleblower lawyers, we understand the complexity of employment law in the healthcare space. We offer:
- Strategic guidance on how and when to report
- Confidential review of employment contracts, NDAs, and risk exposure
- Legal representation in retaliation cases
- Assistance with filing complaints to state and federal agencies
- Aggressive advocacy to recover lost pay, restore reputations, and hold bad actors accountable
Our team has recovered over $1 billion for clients and resolved 5,000+ employment law cases, including for physicians, healthcare executives, and hospital administrators across New York.
You've Been Brave Enough to Say Something, Now Let Us Help You Stand up for Yourself
If you're a healthcare professional in New York who has witnessed HIPAA violations or experienced retaliation for reporting them, you don't have to face this alone.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
