A LeadingAge Kansas member recently approached me with the following question:
Q. What should I do if a consultant in our building is “spreading dirt” about another client while they were performing work for us?
A. Such behavior is a definite breach of trust and professional conduct. It should prompt you to wonder if the consultant is “spreading dirt” about your organization in interactions with other clients. Here are some possible approaches to the problem:
- Immediately bring up the inappropriate comments and request that they cease
- Ask them for their confidentiality policy (not just about HIPAA-protected patient health information)
- Have them sign a written confidentiality statement
- Reconsider doing business with the consultant
