Oct 10, 2007 12:56 am US/Eastern
Clooney's Medical Records Leaked After Accident
As Many As 40 Hospital Workers Involved Have Been Suspended
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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As many as 40 hospital workers are being investigated, with more than two dozen already suspended, for accessing George Clooney's personal information following the actor's motorcycle accident last month in New Jersey.
WBZ
Just weeks after George Clooney was injured in a motorcycle accident and taken to Palisades Medical Center, CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City has exclusively learned that dozens of employees, including doctors and nurses, have been suspended for accessing Clooney's confidential information.
The 46-year-old actor suffered a broken rib and road rash while a companion riding with him suffered a broken foot in the collision with another vehicle.
Within minutes, the media seemed to know everything about Clooney's condition, and sources tell WCBS-TV that hospital officials are now investigating whether or not their own employees may have leaked information about Clooney to the media.
WCBS-TV has learned as many as 40 employees are being investigated, with more than two dozen already suspended without pay after being accused of accessing Clooney's medical records and giving that information to the press -- which is a violation of federal law.
A union spokesperson who represents some of the workers addressed the issue to WCBS-TV:
"It was inappropriate but they are paying a steep price. But I don't even think George Clooney would want people to pay. Again, the apology to him for his privacy rights [is necessary], but I think in fact the hospital is overreacting," says Jean Oterson of the HPAA.
Clooney agreed in a statement issued on Tuesday evening:
"This is the first I've heard of it. And while I very much believe in a patient's right to privacy, I would hope that this could be settled without suspending medical workers."
Sources say while doctors were tending to Clooney's injuries, employees not involved with his care logged into the hospital computer system to review his medical records. WCBS-TV has learned a security guard even gave out the number to one of Clooney's family members.
"It's egregious that these hospital personnel gave out this information," said Rosemarie Arnold, an attorney who has handled cases of this nature.
"Obviously the information was leaked to the press. Because the press had the information and the only people who were privy to the information were the hospital personnel," Arnold said.
In a statement to WCBS-TV, the hospital said they take any violation of a law seriously and they are investigating.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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