ADN

Actually, I was referring to the fact that the media is critizising Cheney for not alerting the media immediately. I just think that's a little ridiculous. If I had just shot one of my friends, the least of my worries would be alerting the media.

they know shit about patient privacy rights, what do you expect?

in fact, if Cheney or EVEN a doctor told his WIFE much less the media without his expressed and witnessed permission,.. they are in violation of the Joint Health Commission (JHACO). Failing a JHACO inspection can get a hospital shut down.

worked in a hospital with security information systems through a JHACO inspection,.. the privacy act is an ABSOLUTE and must completely be accounted for.

(BTW:)

This happened because doctor's nurses interns and others were selling information to pharmaceutical companies about patient conditions AND a person has the right to privacy.

For example, a man and woman are in a car wreck and end up in the ER. They find his wallet, and he is unconscious. It identifies him as Bill Smith, and his phone number is there. They call the number and his wife answers the phone. They tell her he was in the accident, with another woman. They have just violated his privacy, and opened up themselves to litigation on two counts. If he gets divorced (wife knows about possible mistress), he can carry suit to the hospital for willful intent. If his wife had a heart attack from the news, they could sue the hospital for her damages.

hospitals have more at interest than whether or not people know what was going on. and i can completely understand, when someone wants a stabalized position before they make a press release.