A missive that was sent out recently to the Billings Clinic leadership regarding the implementation of new mandates has caused a stir among clinic employees who believe the privacy of their health information has been violated by the process pursued.
Zach Benoit, Billings Clinic’s Community Relations Coordinator, says that no one’s HIPPA rights have been violated, and the healthcare facility is dealing with the misunderstandings internally — “to make sure people have the right information.”
Addressed to “Leaders,” the Billings Clinic message states that beginning July 14, “…due to federally mandated COVID vaccination requirements, Billings Clinic employees who have not received the COVID vaccine (such as those who have an approved exemption) will be required to take a weekly COVID-19 test…”
The leadership is asked to “help ensure applicable members of your teams are testing weekly,” and they are informed, “You will soon receive a list of any employees in your area affected by this new requirement for CMS compliance.” The statement says the “leaders” will be provided with information about the process and that a “modified version of the attachment will be sent to all staff members who will be taking weekly tests, and they will receive weekly reminders and instructions from Employee Health.” (CMS — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Benoit said that the directive that Billings Clinic is following is part of the CMS mandate issued by the federal government, which required compliance by first of this year, in order to continue to get funding from federal programs.
Several complaints about it were reported to YCN, who contacted Corinne Hammond, a former employee of Billings Clinic and current employee of St. Vincent Healthcare, who has become a recognized spokesperson for the medical care community that has objected to the mandates over the past couple of years. Hammond responded to YCN’s inquiry saying that a registration process that was involved in implementing the new requirement essentially became “a roster of everyone who is unvaxxed.” Hammond said that she believes the number of unvaccinated employees at Billings Clinic is about 1,245.
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