TYLER, Texas — A former employee of an East Texas hospital has been indicted for criminal violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Joshua Hippler, 30, formerly of Longview, Texas, was charged with Wrongful Disclosure of Individually Identifiable Health Information. The indictment alleges that from December 1, 2012, through January 14, 2013, Hippler obtained protected health information as a covered entity employee under HIPAA for personal gain.
Under HIPAA provisions, the privacy of individually identifiable health information is strictly protected. If convicted, Hippler could face up to ten years in prison.
The investigation was led by agents from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld is handling the prosecution.
A grand jury indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of HIPAA compliance and the severe consequences for those who breach patient privacy.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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