April 6, 2010

Journalist Ngeligence

Once again the New York Post reports "medical" diagnoses, a part of medical records. Revealing them is a violation of HIPAA laws. If the source is not the records of what value are they. Why does the mother openly tell journalists about her son's medical records? Is she a psychiatrist or at least a doctor? Why is this an issue for journalists? What is the connection between diagnosis and accusations of crime? Is this one more example of negligent journalists perpetuating an irrational belief too many years passsed the time when it is known not to be true?

[From article]
"The mother of the crazed creep accused of stalking admits that her son has "mental problems"[. . .] Justin Massler, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia,[. . .]
'He's ordered to get psychiatric care, and he will,' his mom told The Post"

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/stalker_mother_to_ivanka_apologize_9C2p4vlB9Kj9NJWFqMf6KP
Stalker's mother to Ivanka: I apologize
By AMBER SUTHERLAND
New York Post
Last Updated: 6:43 AM, April 5, 2010
Posted: 3:38 AM, April 5, 2010

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