Health Information Management

Boxer sues over unauthorized release of medical records

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, January 10, 2005

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Heavyweight boxer Joe Mesi is suing a New York medical clinic and the New York State Athletic Commission for allegedly disclosing to the media the results of five MRIs without his consent, according to USA Today.

The records indicated that Mesi suffered multiple brain bleeds in his most recent fight, a detail that could threaten his fighting eligibility. Nevada state law prohibits fighters who experience brain bleeds from fighting in the state, and requires all other states to honor the suspension.

The lawsuits do not seek monetary damages, reported USA Today. However, they do state that the release of the information caused Mesi humiliation, public scorn, and financial loss, and that the information without the expertise of a neurologist unnecessarily tainted Mesi's reputation to the pubic, the media, and possibly the Nevada State Athletic Commission (the group that will decide Mesi's fighting fate).

The commission will likely hold a hearing within the next few months to determine Mesi's fighting eligibility.



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