What to do? My boss shared personal medical information about me to a coworker.

11 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 12,2025 at 7:16PM UTC

   Take the matter to HR and HR will determine what, if anything, will be done.

2. AnonymousJune 12,2025 at 11:45PM UTC

   It was about IVF. And I told my boss and hr prior to it that I did not by any circumstances want the information shared with any one. Which is why I'm pretty upset about it. She also told the coworker that it didnt work

3. GirlBossanova934974June 13,2025 at 1:27PM UTC

   Not so sure much can be done here. HR is going to have to figure out who told your co-worker. Unless your co-worker is willing to sign a statement that she heard this directly from your supervisor, this might prove difficult.

4. AnonymousJune 13,2025 at 2:16PM UTC

   This happened to me at an old job and suddenly the President of the Company was hugging me at a National Sales Meeting and it was super awkward. He told me my boss told him and others about my medical condition and I was livid. It was told in confidence and I stated that clearly to my supervisor. I did not want anyone else to know or treat me differently and I wound up leaving the company because the breach of confidentiality was just one of many red flags with this supervisor. HR did nothing when I brought it to their attention. I only told her because of time off I needed, which was not my normal situation, having rarely taken any time off.

5. AnonymousJune 13,2025 at 2:33PM UTC

   HIPAA doesn't apply here. It only applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses with respect to medical information within their purview.

   That’s not to say that something actionable has happened, just that HIPAA is not applicable.

6. AnonymousJune 13,2025 at 8:23PM UTC

   Go to HR and report it. Have them give you something in writing of what their steps will be to protect your medical information. You are never required to divulge your medical needs, however, if it conflicts with your duties and you need special accommodations, you must get a letter from your doctor outlining the needs, not the cause. Your boss was out of line but kudos to your colleague who thought enough of you to tell you. Years ago I was in a meeting with the team, our boss and HR to explain how leave is used, used me as an example and divulged the type of surgery I had. I mean we all knew, but I seethed and looked at the HR director and told her, you know, there is this thing called HIPAA, and she cowered. She ended up being forced to retire years later for not reporting a sexual harassment complaint. They covered and it appeared as she retired when she actually was told see ya! I hear this crap all the time, and if it's about me, I am very clear, and will say do not share my medical biz. Ever. During Covid, I had a letter from my doc just outlining I was high risk, not the reasons, and HR extended my time back in the office until I had been vax'd. All this to say, go to HR.

7. AnonymousJune 15,2025 at 1:24PM UTC

   challenging situation. How do you want this to end? Do you want you boss disciplined, or would you feel better simply addressing this personally (you to the boss) and giving some grace? If you advise HR, will they pull in your coworker for a signed statement, and is he/she willing to attest to what occured? You are in the right, and your boss was in the wrong...but that doesn't mean that handling this won't have fall out. Consider all options and parties before you make your decision. (my opinion: I would say something to your boss directly- and if the reply is sincere and truly sorry, maybe let it go at that)---

8. AprilJune 15,2025 at 3:16PM UTC

   I agree with the previous responder. How do you want this to end? Consider this approach.- talk to the person your coworker who told you that she was aware of your condition. Tell her how much you appreciate her sharing this with you and you realize that it’s sensitive and makes her uncomfortable thankfully asked. Does she not share it with anyone else and let her know again that you appreciate it and you’ll take it for there. Tell her that her name will not be disclosed any further but you appreciate her telling you second follow up with your boss and ask her if she has any concerns about the information that you shared with her medically give her the most vague update and let her know that you’re OK in third and finally only discuss your medical concerns with human resources. Human resource resources will tell your manager, whether and when she needs to know anything, but she never disclose the actual diagnosis the Takeaway here is share less and only share what’s important and necessary for now I would make sure that your coworker is comfortable and does not disclose. There is a huge risk of making your boss feel defensive.

9. AnonymousJune 16,2025 at 8:15PM UTC

   You have plenty of good advice here, but chiming in to add that you should keep this coworker in your priorities, professionally. They seem like good people.

10. Daniela ThomasJune 17,2025 at 5:27AM UTC

    If your boss shared your personal medical information with a coworker without your consent, it’s a serious breach of privacy and possibly a violation of workplace or legal protections. Start by documenting what happened, including who was told and how you found out.

    You should report the issue to "HR" and "review your company’s confidentiality policies". If the situation has harmed you or you believe your rights were violated, consider speaking with an employment attorney. Your medical information is personal, and it should be treated with strict confidentiality in any workplace.

11. Antoni PepperoniJune 28,2025 at 7:22PM UTC

    Das ist ein sehr ernstes Thema – Datenschutz, besonders bei medizinischen Informationen, muss unbedingt respektiert werden. Solche Situationen erfordern nicht nur rechtliche Klarheit, sondern auch persönliches Selbstbewusstsein. Und manchmal hilft es, sich auch äußerlich gestärkt zu fühlen – z. B. mit einem eleganten Outfit. Stilvolle midi abendkleider unterstreichen nicht nur den Auftritt, sondern auch das innere Standing. Mehr dazu: https://lou.de/de/menu/kleider/lange/midi-467.html