The consequences of accessing a patient chart without reason vary depending on the reason for the impermissible access and the organization´s sanctions policy. If it was an employee’s first violation and no harm was caused by the violation, it is likely the employee will receive a warning and have to undergo additional training. If the violation was a repeat offence, caused harm to the patient or organization, and was done with malicious intent, the likely consequences are termination of contract, a report to a licensing authority, and the possible involvement of law enforcement.