ABC-7 Listens: 02.27.16
most current a on stories that matter to you. but, some would prefer we mind our own business. rick cabrera explains in abc-7 listens. the news startled our newsroom. u- tep president dr. diana natalicio hospitalized after collapsing on campus. one day later … with u-tep not releasing any new information … so, abc-7’s darren hunt set out to get an update on her health. from m-a … “darren hunt’s story on seeking medical information from hospitals on dr. natalicio is a beginner’s mistake. “he should read and become familiar with hipaa. “s typical, reporters dig, dig, always trying to get a story where they should not in this case push medical professionals who know their regulations!” darren is very familiar with hippa regulations as am i and the rest of the abc-7 newsroom staff. for those unaware … hippa is an acronym for the health insurance portability and accountability act … passed by congress in 1996. hipaa makes sure americans and their families don’t lose insurance when switching jobs, reduces healthcare fraud, mandates standards for electronic billing … but in our case it’s the last one that pertains. it requires the protection and confidential handling of protected health information we certainly respect a person’s right to not share their personal health information … but when u-tep chose not to release any information … we owed it to our viewers to at least reach out to the local hospitals. so, darren contacted all 6 area hospitals. at a minimum we could share if she was still in the hospital or had been released … and in many cases we can let you know if the patient is for instance in stable or critical condition. that information is releasable by law, unless the patient declines. 4 days later we were able to tell our viewers … dr. natalicio is expected to make a full recovery … but any more information on her condition and what exactly happened has not been released. rick cabrera. abc-7 listens. utep officials tell us that dr. natalicio is back home now where she’s completing her recovery.
