Hospital Employees Fired for Accessing Jason Pierre-Paul's Medical Records

Jackson Memorial Hospital has fired two employees after it was discovered they inappropriately accessed medical records for New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. 

According to a statement from Jackson Health Services, per Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, patient privacy is "a top priority" and the results of an internal investigation led to the termination of the two employees.   

In July, ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted out a picture of Pierre-Paul's medical charts after he had his right index finger amputated as a result of a July 4 fireworks accident.

Schefter's report became the subject of debate about the laws involving patient confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which requires confidential handling of protected health information, according to the California Department of Health Care Services.

Speaking to Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated, Schefter explained his decision to make Pierre-Paul's medical chart public:

"

The extent of his injuries were going to come to light, maybe that day or later that week, but soon. They’re horrific injuries, incredibly unfortunate for the player. But in a day and age in which pictures and videos tell stories and confirm facts, in which sources and their motives are routinely questioned, and in which reporters strive to be as accurate as possible, this was the ultimate supporting proof.

"

Schefter also told Deitsch that he never requested any images from anyone and that they were merely given to him.

Now, nearly five months later, the names of the employees have not been made public, but they did get proper punishment for violating patient-confidentiality laws.

Pierre-Paul did return from his injuries during the season, appearing in the Giants' final eight games and notching six passes defensed and one sack. He's scheduled to become a free agent when the new league year begins March 9.