I can't believe this happened...(LONG)

[bananiem]

Even if it's not under HIPPA it is under the Privacy Act. When I worked in childcare we couldn't give out ANY info, not even addresses for birthday party invitations. It should be part of their employee guidebook and should spell out what disciplinary action will take place if an employee gives out any info.
JMHO again.

 

[nkjzmom]

While I'm still upset about what happened....it is over. We can't take it back. I'm not completely satisfied with the solution but for now I'm going to let it go.

I'm more concerned about my sister. She's not taking this very well. My mom even told me she doesn't want to see me, talk to me, or know anything about the pregnancy. She's been like this for awhile...avoiding all things baby, even with her friends. While I feel sad for her, I can't completely understand what she is experiencing. This is one of the reasons she was trying to lose weight....in the hopes of improving her chances to get pregnant....and here I am, the pregnant one. I wish there was something I could do.

 

[TIdoublegaER]

I'm sorry that your family found out the way they did and that your sister is reacting so negatively. Having no problems ever getting pregnant myself, I can't begin to know what is like to try and not be able to get pregnant. I think (hope) that once she gets over the shock and probably the hurt that you weren't the one to tell her, she can at least speak to you again. Maybe, since she won't talk to you, you could write to her and explain that one of the reasons you hadn't told anyone yet was because you were concerned for her and how she would take it. That is about the only advice I can come up with on this one.

 

[4greatboys]

Amy Im so sorry its turned into such a big mess. I have been on both sides before. Trying to get pg watchig other people get pg--including my best friend (twice). Its hurtful when you cant yourself but its something she is just going to have to work out. You cannot exclude eceryone in your life that turns up pg--especially family and friends.
Then when I finally got pg my best friend had just gone through 2 losses in her second trimester. I just tried not to say anything about the baby unless she asked. She did eventually learn to deal with it.
Do not feel guilty. You did not purposely get pg to flaunt it in front of her. I would just explain to your family you hadnt told because it was such a big suprise and you didnt want to hurt your sister.
There is no excuse for them telling anyone anything about you.
Im not sure I would sue them but I would take them up on the free offer when you are ready.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Even if it's not under HIPPA it is under the Privacy Act.

Unless you are talking about some state version, the Privacy Act only covers dissemination of personal information by federal government agencies. Private businesses are not covered by the federal Privacy Act.

 

[LuvTigger]

First of all, and most importantly, Congratulations!

Secondly, I can understand why this is so disturbing. I'm semi-familiar with HIPAA, or at least the concept of it, and even if this does not fall under HIPAA, ANYTHING having to do with medical records should be a lot more confidential than just merely stamping it "confidential." I used to work with personnel records, and I'm not sure whether it was a state or federal law, but at one point we had to put all doctors notes (particularly anything indicating a medical condition) in a separate folder in a locked file cabinet only to be accessed by very few persons.

At this point, the harm's already been done and I can't see any way of repairing it. I'm glad they took it seriously and revised their procedures, although I'm sorry it was at your expense. I'm also sorry about your sister, I know quite a few people in that situation. I don't think there's really anything you can do, it's something she needs to deal with on her own. I hope that in time things will smooth over. In the meantime, please take care of yourself and your little one that is on the way!