I’m standing in line to drop off a prescription for my dog at CVS, behind the line that is meant to keep patients’ transactions private. It occurred to me to wonder whether my dog’s health care information must be kept as private as a human’s? Does anyone know whether HIPAA applies to dogs, or if there is an equivalent veterinary law?
I suppose it depends on if your dog signed any of the appropriate consent forms.
HIPAA like other federal regulations should be applicable to humans only unless otherwise specified, and I know of no codicils referring to canines. One would hope the pharmacist is discreet none the less.
“Mr Tildrum, your sarcoptic mange prescription is ready!” (other customers on line back off, feeling suddenly itchy)
Yes, one would hate to accidentally shame the poor pooch as he’s busy sniffing a complete stranger’s asshole.
I’d want everyone within earshot to feel sorry for my dog, but then I do have Munchschnauzer-by-proxy syndrome.
Short and correct answer: NO!
I would be terrierfied if other people new of my pugnacious pup problems!
smacks Slithy Tove with a rolled-up newspaper
Even if it doesn’t apply, it’s none of their doggone business.
The OP is barking up the wrong tree.
gah! actual coffee spew!
HIPAA does not apply to animals, but chances are CVS probably has a broad corporate policy that they don’t resell patient data.
It’s also highly likely that your veterinarian is selling your data. I worked for a veterinary marketing company for 2 years, they had complete sales and medical records for about 33% of all veterinary hospitals in the US with no privacy protection. It was generally an altruistic agreement, we were middlemen between veterinarians and drug companies to target rebates, you’d coincidently get a $5 coupon for vaccine X or flea preventative for the same month you were due for one. However, the place I worked for was a soulless organization that didn’t care at all about privacy or their customers and without seeing it firsthand am confident my boss was giving customer data to other partners.
From working with marketing firms for 10 years I am insanely careful about giving away my information and reading privacy statements extra carefully.
Those damn barketing firms.
The OP is thinking of HIPPO.
No barking? Don’t wear fur!