INCIDENT REPORT: Potential Violations of Employee Rights & Medical Confidentiality at Cox Communications

This document outlines a concerning sequence of events indicating potential breaches of federal and state laws, potentially harming employee rights and violating medical privacy. It serves as a template for the presentation and investigation of similar incidents.

I. Key Elements of the Incident

Area of Concern	Description
Information Sharing	Cox and MetLife personnel engaged in systemic sharing of Thomas Coates' protected health information (PHI) without authorization, violating HIPAA and ADA guidelines.
Return-to-Work Interference	Cox altered Coates' return-to-work date without proper medical justification, conflicting with FMLA and ADA provisions.
Lack of Independence	MetLife appeared unduly influenced by Cox Communications' preferences in handling Coates’ disability claim, suggesting conflicts of interest and compromising MetLife’s neutral role.
Medical Records Access	There was mass access and alterations of medical data of Mr. Coates showing a systemic failure with a lack of controls.
Right to have access	It was shown during legal work of the case that this could not happen do to the fact that it's being used for hostile work envioment as well a violation of laws in the legal world it had to go before.

II. Personnel Involved

Latika Gaines: Supervisor, Benefits, Cox Communications
Inelyz Martinez: Short Term Disability Claims Specialist, MetLife
Jennifer Melton: Sr. Manager, Employee Relations, Cox Communications
Ursula Rogers: Cox Employee Service Center
Kelly Zahorodni: MetLife Senior Disability Customer Advocate

III. Legal Analysis

The communications presented show a blatant disregard for confidentiality, specifically concerning Mr. Thomas medical information and disability accommodation requests. There are multiple actions from Cox and Medlife that shows a clear pattern of inappropriate and likely unlawful information. These all violate HIPAA regulations and ADA provisions in regards of violating medical information.

IV. Documented Breaches (Examples)

Cox and MetLife's personnel repeatedly shared a medical note stating, “Provider has requested the following restrictions: Work from home to minimize strain and mental health.” violates HIPAA (45 CFR § 164.502).
“We expect that you will return to work beginning on Tuesday, August 20, 2024""... ”…Sorry for the confusion. The department had to make a correction to Thomas Coates' return to work. The department will not be able to accommodate until 8.20.24. This employee will return to work on 8.20.24 instead of 8.14.24..….”: Violates the FMLA.
"I would like to confirm if you are able to accommodate the employee with with this restriction or if it is not possible to accommodate these restrictions for the employee." Violates the ADA in it's clear language as it looks to not support.

The following section shows several resources that can show that you have been harmed from Cox and Metlife's actions. I want to emphasize a lot on the 14th amendment.

Agency Contacts for Reporting and Investigation

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office for Civil Rights (HIPAA)

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U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division

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Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General

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Internal Revenue Service – Whistleblower Office

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Note: Contact information for each agency is intentionally blurred/redacted to reflect confidentiality and the sensitive nature of ongoing investigations. Agency names are provided for clarity and reference.