8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Oct 18, 2013 14:12:26 GMT -5
I got a letter in the mail from a medical practice I visited once, about 5 years ago. Contained therein was a letter about how one of the doctor's husbands is running for office, and why he will be the best darn so and so this county has ever seen.
I shredded it, but I find that at best a very unethical use of information. I'm not sure whether or not this use of information is an actual violation, or just one of those "just barely within the rules" nuisances.
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Sam_2.0
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Post by Sam_2.0 on Oct 18, 2013 14:20:56 GMT -5
That seems really unethical. Maybe not HIPAA violation because they didn't release your personal medical info (at least I hope not!), but maybe a violation of your info anyway.
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milee
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Post by milee on Oct 18, 2013 14:31:19 GMT -5
If the practice itself sent the letter, it's not a violation. If the practice shared your info with the candidate so he could send the letters, that's a violation.
Either way, I wouldn't like the solicitation, though.
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Oct 18, 2013 14:48:53 GMT -5
...:::"If the practice itself sent the letter, it's not a violation. If the practice shared your info with the candidate so he could send the letters, that's a violation.":::...
I'll have to check again. I believe the return address is "Dr.s A, B, and C" or whatever the name of the practice is. It appears to be on letterhead that has all the doctor's names on it. But the narrative is from Dr. C and is written from her point of view. She uses the phrase "my husband is running for..." and I think she signed it. Based on that, I'd say its from her, even if it is written on practice letterhead.
Its clear they are using every address they have, since I have not been there in at least 4 years.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Oct 18, 2013 16:32:59 GMT -5
It's unethical. Using a built-in mailing list of names if the letter came from the doctor's office. I might think differently if the person running for office was one of the doctors in the office but in your case, it is the spouse of one of the doctors from that office. |
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Oct 18, 2013 17:10:51 GMT -5
Definitely unethical. But I don't think there is anything you can do. Other than not give money and not vote for him.
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