Breach, Data Security

Former patients affected in Broward Health breach

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health announced a breach that may have compromised patient data.

How many victims? 126 former patients

What type of information? Former patient's registration Facesheets were reportedly from the healthcare system without authorization. The registration Facesheets may have contained full names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, primary insurance providers, insurance guarantors, reasons for visit, employers, emergency contact/next of kin, and their addresses and phone numbers.

What happened? Law enforcement officials discovered the patient information in an individual's home during a “routine investigation” and notified Broward Health on May 12, 2016. The information is believed to have been removed between November 2011 and March 2012.

What was the response? Broward Health notified former patients or their next of kin of the incident through postal mail on September 23, 2016. Local and federal law enforcement is investigating the incident “to identify those responsible.” The healthcare system said it has been cooperating with the investigation.

Quote: “Broward Health is strengthening its procedures surrounding the protection of personal information and re-educating our staff members,” the healthcare system stated in a notice. “The hospital system has completed an internal investigation and is reviewing and enhancing safeguards to better ensure the security of patient information.”

Source: Broward Health patient notice and HealthITSecurity.com

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