Employee Privacy

lam · October 2001

I work for a Software company, offering software programs to the Healthcare Industry. One of our clients (hospitals) has recently begun requesting that some of our employees fill out confidentialty/security access forms, in order to comply with HIPPA. In this access form they are requesting personal info. such as social security number. We have had a couple of employees refuse to give the client this information.

Our client is requiring this information if we are to do business with them. I don't believe we, as a company, can turn over this information without the employees consent! Can we insist that they comply with the client's request???

Gillian · October 2001

You are probably right but how far you can go requires legal assistance.

System · October 2001

I'd tell the customer your employees' concerns. Ask which information is required by law, and ask them for a legal citation and/or a copy of it. You might need a lawyer who's familiar with HIPPA.
[url]http://www.hrhero.com/findanattorney.shtml[/url]

Speaking as an employee, I wouldn't want to give my SSN to a customer.

James Sokolowski
Senior Editor
M. Lee Smith Publishers

rexxie · October 2001

Having been in this situation before, your employee can refuse to give their SSN as a 'recognition' of who they are. Offer, as an alternative, either their employee number/code (which is not the SSN) or some other identifier that would satisfy your client. They don't have to have the SSN, it's just easier for them. You are the employer and can vouch that that is the individual who signed the confidentiality forms. I'd also do a double-check w/your inhouse counsel on this one.

Nancy Schlesinger
HR Manager

Employee Privacy

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