Longtime WIVB Anchor Don Postles is off the air and laying in a hospital bed, but the Nexstar station can't say why?

Dominic Mancuso, the General Manager of the station told the Buffalo News because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, that protects the confidentiality of a person's medical information.

"He is taking some time and we look forward to his return," said Mancuso this morning.

We have to ask.... if the Mayor of Buffalo was not at work and laying in a hospital and the city spokesperson says "we can't tell you why, because of HIPPA" would the station just turn off the camera and go home? 

Inquiring minds want to know?