Sharing google calendar with spouse

[Massagegirl22]

My husband and I are trying to become more technical together. I was wondering if there is an issue sharing my google calendar with him that has my client names and appointment times? Any thoughts on this. I did not see anything in HIPPA but want to make sure.

[Taoist]

My husband and I (as well as 3 other therapists) share a Google calendar. It would be exactly the same as a paper calendar or an online booking client for a multi practitioner office- all you have is their contact information, not any other personal or health-related info as that should all be on an intake form.

[Massagegirl22]

I should add that my husband is not in the health field, but we are just trying to coordinate for child care.

[Pete]

I wouldn't share my clients' info with anyone (not even a spouse) - not even just the clients' names (much less any other info). With Google Calendar, you are able to hide the details while still allowing your husband to see the time you have blocked out as "busy."

[Taoist]

ARE there possible violations of doing this?

[Pete]

ARE there possible violations of doing this?

It is possible that sharing your calendar WITH names visible would be a HIPAA violation...however, if none of the details are being shared (just the blocked out segments of time show) there is no violation.

[Massagegirl22]

Can you please let me know where in the hippa regulations it talks about that.

Thank you

[JasonE]

Can you please let me know where in the hippa regulations it talks about that.

Thank you

A clients name is protected information and subject to confidentiality.

[tranquilspirit2006]

How does this work in ERs with curtained cubicles? And in the drugstore where they call out your name when your script is ready?

[Rozax]

You can just block the times off on your google calendar, letting your husband know that you're with clients at the time, and keep a separate calendar with the specifics. Google makes it easy enough to handle. It just takes a little play and practice.

[Rozax]

And in the drugstore where they call out your name when your script is ready?

That really cheeses me off. I glared at this pharmacy tech for calling off my name and asking, "You're taking [prescription]?" Excuse me?? That little "privacy line" isn't sound-proof! I regret not filing a complaint. It was a while ago, but I wonder if I could still make a note of it with the pharmacy.

[Taoist]

How does this work in ERs with curtained cubicles? And in the drugstore where they call out your name when your script is ready?

This particular topic (google calendar) deals more specifically with electronic information. I see what you're saying, but from what I understand there are a completely different set of rules for electronic PI vs. non-electronic.