I was reading an ID theft news story, and noted that one of those allegedly involved in the ring was an employee of an unnamed physician’s office. It’s not the kind of story that makes big news in terms of numbers, but represents a real risk for physicians and health care professionals with small offices,…
Author: Dissent
UT Southwestern employee accused of selling patient information
Shon Gables reports: Authorities arrested an employee at UT [University of Texas] Southwestern Medical Center after she allegedly stole patent information and possibly their identities. Hundreds of patients’ personal information – including birth dates, addresses, phone numbers and financial data – was stolen before Tracy Renay Thomas’ arrest and termination, police said. Thomas is accused…
Major deficiencies in VCHA's Primary Access Regional Information System – report
The Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner of British Columbia has released its review of the electronic health information system set up by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority known as the Primary Access Regional Information System (PARIS). From the Executive Summary: The electronic health record system at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (“VCH”) known as…
Kaiser official defends security practices for veterans health data
Alice Lipowicz reports: In the last several days, I have read a news article and a blog post that raise questions about Kaiser Permanente’s privacy and security policies regarding the medical records of its patients — including the records of about 450 veterans participating in a Kaiser/Veterans Affairs Department health data exchange pilot program in…
Westin Bonaventure restaurants and valet parking hacked
Another POS hack in the hospitality industry. From their press release: Officials of The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites which is independently owned by Today’s IV, Inc. and operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc. under a license issued by Westin Hotel Management, L.P. announced that the hotel’s four restaurants—Lake View Bistro, Lobby Court Bar,…
Alberta man sought in massive identity theft
Ben Galinas reports: Edmonton police are looking for an alleged fraudster wanted on 137 charges connected to the theft of more than 120 identities. Acting Det. David Butt said police found driver’s licences, social insurance cards, debit cards and credit cards belonging to people from across Alberta after executing a search warrant in an Edmonton…