The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is investigating whether pharmacists at a new type of Walgreens store are properly protecting sensitive information, The Wall Street Journal reports. Walgreens is asking pharmacists to have consultations with patients rather than stay behind the counter, but the OCR is investigating whether the practice results in disclosures of medical data. OCR’s investigation began after a complaint was filed last year by a consumer advocacy group alleging “widespread patient privacy violations such as medical histories left visible on desks or prescription drugs left unattended.” (Registration may be required to access this story.)
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