Originally Posted by
EdGrimley
Seems this could be yet another potential lawsuit (ALPA seems to be good at attracting these). If this language remains in the TA, effectively stripping pilots not in agreement to surrendering their HIPPA rights, regardless of a popular vote, this could lead to legal action.
Keeping medical information private (it has certificate implications) is a very high priority for most pilots. Not to mention the diminished safety (pilot pushing) of threatening/harassing pilots to fly "or else we will conduct our own audit/interpretation of what your medical records say". Further, there is deeply personal and potentially embarrassing info wrapped into your medical records. Do you want people rifling around there that don't belong? It's really insane this is being proposed and signed off by those who are supposed to represent and protect your rights. So many things wrong with this TA.
In my opinion the company knows to much of our personal health history. Just in the past year and a half I have gotten calls from "Delta Health Services". One was to see if I needed counseling for my weight problem... I asked, how did you get my BIM number, and she told me that it was from the physical I took to get the extra health care dollars. The second instance was when I had bronchitis. The Dr. prescribed an inhaler. a short time later they asked if I needed any information on controlling my Asthma! Once Dr. Foster is installed as the Director of health services, he can, by himself, end your career. that "medical release" can disqualify you from line flying until HE is satisfied that you meet the FAA medical guidelines. The Heart attack example they gave in day one was an exaggeration, but there are a lot of things that can disqualify you from having a medical, and they don't need your permission to do it either! HIPPA privacy only prevents doctors and hospitals from giving out your information WITHOUT your consent. Delta is self insured. Every prescription you have ever had filled is on file with DHS