I am responding to Jim Booth's great and salient message.  Jim,  you know how much I respect  you and the profession thanks you for all of the good you do to raise the bar.  I will, however, disagree with the premise of your thoughts.

This reminds me of when HIPAA became the law.  I was asked to speak to several medical groups about the changes and how to implement the new processes.  One of my key points was "If you haven't already been doing the things that HIPAA requires, shame on you!"  Why would anyone in the medical profession, prior to HIPAA, believe it is OK to handle confidential patient information in any but a responsible manner?

The same holds true for any confidential information.  I don't know the facts of this incident nor do I know what was in the collections.  But a prudent man would treat private materials in a manner that preserves and protects confidentiality.  And when you talk about anyone in our business I cannot find any opening to justify bad behavior.  Sure, communication and best practices are great and add value.  But to treat a customer's property in any manner that exposes the content to the public is beyond ignorance; it is actionable.

My fear is that we will see another "slap on the wrist" instead of meaningful consequences.  It would be nice to see some serious accountability for a change.

My thoughts as an aspiring Information professional, 


David B. Steward
Director of Records
 
HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112-2551
Direct:  816.983.8860
Fax:  816.983.8080
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