Gavan Reilly reports: The University Observer can exclusively reveal major security flaws within the UCD [University College Dublin] Registry, which allow an individual to gain access to the detailed academic records of any UCD graduate. UCD’s Student Desk supplied The University Observer with copies of full academic statements for two recent graduates, after this newspaper…
SC: Social Security, county bank account numbers accidentally made public
Copies of a report into past Anderson County finances, released to the public last week, contained Social Security numbers for two people, business tax identification numbers for two companies and three active county bank account numbers. The nearly 1,000-page report is still available for viewing at the historic courthouse in downtown Anderson but the sensitive…
AU: NSW Health to review privacy policy for insurers' lawyers
Joel Gibson reports: The NSW Health department is likely to review its privacy policies after a number of complaints about solicitors for insurers seeking irrelevant medical records from claimants, a source familiar with the department’s privacy policy said. A review of the department’s privacy manual will address the issue amid fears that the forms can…
At UMC, audits show privacy lapses are not new
Marshall Allen of the Las Vegas Sun is staying all over the UMC breach reported here previously. In today’s commentary, he reviews the findings of past audits of UMC’s HIPAA compliance: University Medical Center, facing a possible FBI investigation for allowing confidential patient information to be leaked to outsiders, has a spotty record of adhering…
Cleveland VA employees may have sneaked a peek at suspected serial killer's medical records
Joan Mazzolini reports: The Cleveland Veterans Affairs hospital is investigating whether employees snooped in serial killing suspect Anthony Sowell’s private medical records. A spokeswoman for the Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center confirmed that an investigation was under way. It was unclear if it is an internal investigation or if federal VA authorities were called in….
CA: OB/GYN accused of patient ID theft for drugs
As a follow-up to a case previously mentioned on this site, Michelle Tuzee reports on the case of Dr. Lisa Michelle Barden, a physician who was arrested in January for stealing patients’ identities to support her drug habit. Barden is charged with 276 felonies, including identity theft, forgery, burglary and possession of controlled substances. Court…