"File this away for consideration" is one of the best editorials I've read in a while and it begs an immediate response from the provincial government.
The editorial deals with an earlier Telegram story which told the people that Eastern Health employees had been disciplined for improperly reviewing medical files. I asked myself - as we all should - what should we do with people who commit this type of privacy rape.
Remember the outrage displayed against biting dogs and their owners - or the theory that the Canadian Idol voting is rigged against us - well now is the time to feel that much outrage.
I have 3 suggestions for the government to consider - when determining punishment for those who look at peoples medical records because they are nosy, or bitter, and/or selling the info to third parties. If found guilty by audit:
1. Fire them,
2. Make their name public, and
3. Accept requests from people who want to know if their records were breached and provide them an answer.
In this day of electronic communication the only deterrent is swift and severe action. The employee, of course, would have the right to appeal.
Danny consider this - if this was done to your family what would your response be?
We all know or should know the answer to this. So Premier, Cabinet, Caucus, and Opposition members - get on this. Do you realize the potential outfall of this? People may refuse to get medical attention for diseases which they feel could embarrass them, their family, or even cause them to be fired.
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