On May 7, 2013, Hereford was assisting an echocardiogram technician and physician in performing a transesophageal echocardiogram on a patient with Hepatitis C. In preparing for the procedure, Hereford informed her colleagues that they should wear gloves because of the patient's infectious disease. The patient filed a complaint with the hospital alleging that confidential health information had been improperly disclosed as Hereford's voice was loud enough to be heard by other patients and/or medical personnel who were allegedly nearby. The hospital initially placed Hereford on administrative leave and then terminated her employment for unnecessarily disclosing confidential health information in violation of HIPAA.