I work in a doctor's office on Long Island. The doctor did violate the Hipaa laws, no question. The mother has to sign a disclaimer stating whom the doctor can talk too. The laws are the same in every state, to my knowledge. One of my sons in Mich listed me on his Hipaa paperwork so that I can call his doctor office and have them tell me what is going on, so I can help him better understand too.

So yes, the doctor was wrong. Even in our office where we have related patients, it's against Hipaa laws for us to mention that we saw their sister last week or whatever. One of the workers always does it, but she's wrong and should be talked to about it.