Connecticut Supreme Court Allows Consumers To Sue Provider Organizations Over HIPAA Violations

On January 16, 2018, a Connecticut Supreme Court judge ruled that health care consumers can sue provider organizations for breach of confidentiality where the provider violates regulations set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The opinion was issued by Justice Dennis G. Eveleigh in Emily Byrne v. Avery Center For Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.C. (Avery Center).

The original complaint was filed in March, 2013. The plaintiff, Emily Byrne, who used the services of Avery Center, was involved in a Connecticut paternity action with Andro Mendoza. She had instructed Avery Center to not release . . .