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Nosy UCLA MDs Got Off Easier Than Other Staff

Some of the non-docs who peeked at Britney's files were fired

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 12, 2008 11:17 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The MDs who wrongly looked at Britney Spears’ medical records while she was being treated on two occasions at UCLA hospitals have gotten off easier than other staff, the Los Angeles Times reports. Of the at least 53 snoopers, 18 non-doctors retired, resigned, or were dismissed, but none of the 14 physicians with prying eyes quit or was fired.

UCLA doctors are reviewed by their peers while other employees have to face HR, but the chief executive of the hospital group—which is now looking into other breaches of privacy—said all employees should be held to the same standard. He promised a change of culture at UCLA, with no extra leniency for doctors and much tougher policies on invasions of privacy.

Britney Spears sits in the passenger seat of her car after leaving hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008.
Britney Spears sits in the passenger seat of her car after leaving hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Security guards stand outside of the ambulance entrance to the at the UCLA Medical Center emergency room in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008.
Security guards stand outside of the ambulance entrance to the at the UCLA Medical Center emergency room in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Singer Britney Spears poses on the press line at the Scandinavian Style Mansion party in Los Angeles in this 2007 file photo.
Singer Britney Spears poses on the press line at the Scandinavian Style Mansion party in Los Angeles in this 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg, File)
In this photo released by UCLA, medical director Dr. David Feinberg, center, gives an emergency room tour to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
In this photo released by UCLA, medical director Dr. David Feinberg, center, gives an emergency room tour to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.   (UCLA via AP)
Reports released yesterday show that UCLA doctors who wrongly accessed Britney Spears' medical records were treated more leniently than other staff members who did the same.
Reports released yesterday show that UCLA doctors who wrongly accessed Britney Spears' medical records were treated more leniently than other staff members who did the same.   (Shutterstock)
In another privacy breach, Farrah Fawcett, shown in 2004, and California first lady Maria Shriver are among the UCLA patients whose records a low-level administrative specialist was able to pry into.
In another privacy breach, Farrah Fawcett, shown in 2004, and California first lady Maria Shriver are among the UCLA patients whose records a low-level administrative specialist was able to pry into.   (Chris O'Meara/AP)
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UCLA knew of snooping as far back as '95
Los Angeles Times

UCLA faces sanctions over privacy breaches
New York Times

 
Britney Spears • hospitals • privacy • doctor • UCLA • confidential information • Maria Shriver • UCLA Medical Center • medical records • invasion • Farrah Fawcett

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