Channel 2 in Fort Myers recently took a look into a dumpster behind Dr. James Barringer's office. What they found were his patient files with full name, address and social security numbers. When Dr. Barringer was contacted he came out to the dumpster and dug out his patient files and said it was a mistake and the person responsible would be fired. Clearly Dr. Barringer understood that he was in violation of HIPAA. However, he didn't take the reasonable precaution of hiring a shredding service but instead used the "head in sand" approach.

The story doesn't end there. Channel 2 then found the files from the office of Lucille Adgate, a Certified Public Accountant. They were tax records that contained her clients personal information. She was notified and then came out to dig out her files. Apparently she doesn't just share a dumpster with Dr. Barringer but also his failed document destruction plan.

Two more professionals who could have protected their clients, been in compliance with the law, and avoided the negative press for the few dollars a shredding service would cost. Instead they purchased a small shredder and rolled the dice.

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