Thief steals data for 365,000 patients from car
Compliance Monitor, February 1, 2006
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A thief stole the medical records of 365,000 patients, smashing the window of a van that contained computer disks and digital tape that stored the sensitive information, The Oregonian reports.
Officials for Oregon-based Providence Health System admitted that it was routine for certain employees to take records home, as a backup in case a major records system failure occurred and patient data was needed during an emergency. The records contain names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and health information.
Although Providence employees initially claimed that the information was encrypted, a company spokesperson admitted on Wednesday that it was not. The organization has since changed its back-up procedures. Oregon authorities will investigate whether Providence's practices violated state law. For a HIPAA investigation to begin, a patient must first file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights.
Click here to read The Oregonian article.
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