Salem Hospital, a member of Mass General Brigham, recently informed patients about a concerning breach of protected health information. On July 11, 2024, the hospital conducted an audit of access to patient medical records, which revealed that an employee had accessed certain records on July 10, 2024, without an authorized work purpose. The accessed information included both demographic details, such as names, dates of birth, and addresses, as well as clinical data, including medical record numbers, health insurance information, medications, diagnoses, and treatment progress notes.
In light of this incident, Salem Hospital communicated patients’ rights regarding the unauthorized access of their health information. Patients are entitled to obtain police reports concerning the incident, especially if they believe they are victims of identity theft. The hospital provided instructions on how to request security freezes with credit bureaus, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their personal information.
Salem Hospital expressed its commitment to maintaining the privacy and security of patient data and acknowledged the distress that this incident may cause. The hospital has taken steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, including addressing the situation with the employee involved in the unauthorized access and implementing corrective actions aligned with hospital policies. These measures reflect the hospital’s dedication to upholding patient trust and protecting sensitive health information.
Patients with questions or concerns regarding this incident have been encouraged to contact the Mass General Brigham Privacy Office for assistance. The hospital emphasized its ongoing commitment to transparency and communication, striving to reassure patients while actively working to improve its data protection policies and practices. Salem Hospital aims to mitigate any potential risks and restore confidence in its ability to safeguard patient information in the future.
Reference:
