Policing Patient Privacy
Patient Privacy and Medical Care
ProPublica is exploring how patient privacy violations are affecting patients and the medical care they receive.
New Jersey to Suspend Prominent Psychologist for Failing to Protect Patient Privacy
The state began investigating Barry Helfmann after a 2015 article by ProPublica and the New York Times about debt collection lawsuits against his patients that included details of their mental health diagnoses and treatments.
New Jersey Seeks to Sanction Psychologist for Disclosing Patients’ Diagnoses in Court Filings
Lawsuits filed on behalf of a psychologist and his practice had disclosed details of patients’ mental health diagnoses and treatments, including those of children. Psychologist Barry Helfmann denies wrongdoing.
Federal Health Officials Seek to Stop Social Media Abuse of Nursing Home Residents
After ProPublica identified dozens of cases of dehumanizing photos posted on social media sites, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a plan to increase its oversight to prevent and punish such abuse.
New York Top Court Revives Suit Against Hospital That Let Man’s Death Be Filmed
Mark Chanko’s family sued NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and one of its doctors for allowing a TV crew to film his death without permission. A lower court had thrown the case out, but the New York Court of Appeals revived it.
Another Senator Calls for Action on Social Media Abuse of Nursing Home Residents
The move follows a ProPublica report that identified some three dozen incidents since 2012 in which dehumanizing or degrading photos of residents were posted on social media sites.
Senator Asks Privacy Regulators to Stop Abuse of Nursing Home Residents on Social Media
ProPublica reported in December about three dozen inappropriate posts by employees of nursing homes and assisted living centers. A top Democrat wants details on efforts to combat the trend.
New York City Hospitals to End Filming Without Consent
After a reality television show filmed the death of a man without getting his family’s approval, New York City hospitals have decided to put an end to filming patients without consent.
New York Legislation Would Make It a Felony to Film Patients Without Prior Consent
The bill was filed after a ProPublica story about a man whose death was recorded by the real-life medical series “NY Med” without permission. His widow recognized her husband while watching the show on TV.
