Tennessee Hospital Patient Information Found in Public Recycling Bin

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services says its Office of Licensure is investigating after paperwork from a Franklin mental health facility was found in a public recycling bin.

The Tennessean reports the paperwork was from an outpatient program at Rolling Hills Hospital.

Rolling Hills CEO Richard Clark says the employee who dumped the box of patient education material, blank paperwork and partially filled out forms has been placed on administrative leave.

Chief nursing officers Laurel Roberts said five documents contained patient information and the facility is still determining whether patient notification will be required.

Roberts said the employee who dumped the paperwork at the public bin made a poor choice “without malice.”