Does The Hipaa Law Apply To Members Of The Church?

[My Life as Liz 1]

I hope this is the right place for this question.

Does the hipaa law apply to members of the church? I'm in CA if that makes any difference.

I'm wondering because there is this retreat my mom's church does every year that I enjoy going to. BUT I want to pay the kids price since I eat so little now. What you get for the cost of the retreat is the same no matter what age you are, I've gone a bunch of times pre-op.

I'm wondering this because I don't trust the clergy members to not let slip that I've had surgery. Especially with how gossipy this specific church is. I'm pretty private about the fact that I've had surgery, and I have family issues, so it would be very bad if certain members of my family found out that I had surgery. That is my main concern. On top of that I don't want to be the subject of gossip.

Thanks,

~Liz

[Caliblonde 25]

I know that confidentiality applies to members of the clergy, but I'm not sure if it applies in all settings/circumstances. If you're looking to get a reduced rate on something you may be waiving your right to confidentiality in that instance because the people who do the billing/financials will need to know why you are paying the child's rate. They don't need to know that you had weight loss surgery specifically though.

[Thomas CPA 496]

hippa applies to doctors and medical offices in releasing information. If you opt to tell people, including clergy, they are not under any obligation to spill the Beans, though if you ask them they probably won't. Only clergy bound not to tell are Catholic Priests when done as a Confession.

Best way to keep a secret, never tell anyone.

[VSG-LLL 5]

Just pay the regular rate? Problem solved?

Good luck.

[Dooter 1,457]

That you had to even ask that question makes me sad. That is the one place where you should feel safe and trust those around you. Well....I guess sanctification is not instant. It's a process. I'm with the others. Just pay the normal price, and the extra money may go to help someone else go that can't afford it maybe?

[Becca 108]

There are certain situations where sometimes you have to pay full price. We had a work get together with catered food and I paid the same price even though I only ate about 1/4 of everyone else there. People would have been mad if I asked to pay a reduced rate in that situation. With Church, I would feel like the money is going to a good cause. Just my opinion though. I can understand your point.

[My Life as Liz 1]

Thanks for all the responses.

I'm cheap and broke, so that's why I want to get the kids rate if I can. My mom and I usually apply for a scholarships so we can go because we can't afford full price.

[andersonlj 32]

HIPAA does not apply to any church. That law is for health care information gather by a medical institution. I would talk to your clergy and tell him that you would prefer that he not share you surgery with others. If he does not honor your wishes then I would be looking for another clergy. Hope you have a nice retreat