Is leaving a radiology requisition in a public bathroom near the sink considered a breach of HIPAA law?

Leaving a radiology requisition in a public bathroom near the sink constitutes a breach of HIPAA law because it compromises the confidentiality and privacy of personal health information. HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, mandates strict safeguards for protected health information (PHI). By leaving such documents in a public place where they can be accessed by anyone, there is a clear risk of exposing sensitive patient information to unauthorized individuals. This action violates the principles of confidentiality that HIPAA seeks to uphold, regardless of whether identifiable information is visibly displayed or if the document is retrieved by someone else. Ensuring that patient information is protected at all times is a critical component of maintaining compliance with HIPAA regulations.