Of course this is at least a technical violation of HIPPA on the part of the Pharmacist. Also did the patient have a medical power of attorney with his wife named. That does wave the HIPPA protections. (It is not clear what the situation without a medical power of attorney is may well depend on the state in question)
See at first thought I'd immediately think that "hippa violation" and be an easy case.
But I pick up for DH all the time. And I give his name, and DOB, and the pharmacist will go "is this for the XYZ?" - that's just the transaction almost every time. I didn't read the link, but if so, this is SOP at most pharmacies.
Then, however, I would argue as a lawyer that DH's right to privacy ended when he asked me to act as his agent in transacting with the pharmacy. I guess if he didn't, and I went-a-snooping...it could get interesting?
I don't know hippa in detail, but it would be hella easy to drive up to CVS and give someone's name and DOB and say "is his viagra ready?" and be told yes or no and so I could find out, without proving who I am.
ok maybe I'll read it now!
ugh - ETA - it's a video article, hate them.