The rules actually apply to the covered entity, your employer. He or she maybe fined if you and the coworker are found to have violated HIPAA. You could also be liable for a civil penalty of up to $100.00
Your employment status is controlled by the applicable state laws, and as such you can be fired or discharged by the employer for cause if they find the violation occurred.
If you are fired for cause, you can fight the matter through unemployment, or your states labor relations board. That said, the burden would then be on the employer to prove you violated HIPAA and the discharge was for cause. If it was not, then you can collect unemployment.
If you are a contract employee, then your contract controls.
SEE http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/FinalEnforcementRule06.pdf
You can request the written complaint, and if you fight a discharge, then you may force them to show you the complaint.
You may want to retain an employment lawyer to guide you step by step.
PLEASE NOTE: The responses made here are for information or education use only, and are NOT legal advice and do not form an attorney-client relationship! Only licensed attorneys you hire in your state can provide legal advice.