I have a "hypothetical" scenario and would love your experienced input. Thank you in advance for your time.
An in Town, non transporting, non billing Ems and Fire are dispatched to a domestic dispute for a 21 y/o male who has been struck in the face. Upon arrival you learn that a member of your fire department is the person the police have in custody for striking the patient. He has also struck one of the officers and has been tased. He refuses treatment. You treat the 21 y/o male who also refuses transport.
Back at the station you tell one of your superior officers about the incident so that they are aware that a member of the department was involved, including the information about striking the officer. You do NOT discuss the medical side of it (removal of the taser prongs and treatment of the superficial wounds.)
In a later officers meeting the Chief states his concern that this issue should not have been discussed and even wants to write up the two Ems providers for a Hippa violation.
My opinion from my limited research and knowledge is that this is a non issue as far as Hippa is concerned. No medical information was discussed and that the company does not fall under Hippa as they do not electronically bill for services.
Again Thank you for your time and Input. Have a great day.