Identity thieves target victims of accidents at a medical center in Nevada
This article serves as a great reminder about the importance of safeguarding your patients' data, both from thieves outside and, unfortunately, from within the organization. Via Las Vegas Sun:
Private information about accident victims treated at University Medical Center has apparently been leaking for months, the Sun has learned, allegedly so ambulance-chasing attorneys could mine for clients.
Sources say someone at UMC is selling a compilation of the hospital’s daily registration forms for accident patients. This is confidential information — including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and injuries — that could also be used for identity theft.
Hospital officials knew of rumors of the leaks since the summer, but doubted them until provided evidence Thursday by the Sun. Now they’re scrambling to catch up to a crisis that may affect hundreds, if not thousands, of patients.
The full article is available here.
"UMC has patient privacy leak," Las Vegas Sun (November 20, 2009).
