Breach, Threat Management, Data Security

Computers stolen, health data compromised for 168K in L.A.

Sutherland Healthcare Solutions (SHS), a billing and collections services provider for Los Angeles County, is notifying more than 168,000 clients of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services that their personal information may be at risk after SHS offices were broken into and computers containing personal information were stolen.

How many victims? 168,500. 

What type of personal information? Names, dates of birth, addresses, diagnoses, Social Security numbers, and medical and billing information.

What happened? The SHS office in Southern California was broken into and computer containing the client information were stolen.

What was the response? SHS notified and is actively working with law enforcement. SHS is reviewing policies and procedures and is providing additional training to its employees. All impacted individuals are being notified and offered a free year of credit monitoring services.    

Details: The office was broken into on Feb. 5 and an investigation is ongoing.  

Quote: “Los Angeles County is also working with us to review our information privacy and security program and determine whether enhancements should be made,” Karen Pugh, vice president and head of healthcare compliance with SHS, wrote in the notification letter.

Source: publichealth.lacounty.gov, “Public Notice for Public Health Clients Regarding Potential Breach of HIPAA Information,” March 6, 2014.

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