In-House Mishap Exposes Data of 4,000 Patients

Protected health information had been accidentally uploaded and exposed

By Dan Hounsell


The challenges facing healthcare IT managers show no signs of slowing down. While many of the problems stem from unrelenting cyber attacks from outside parties, managers also must deal with issues created by improper in-house practices.

Consider Southbridge, Mass.-based Harrington Healthcare System, which recently began notifying more than 4,000 patients that their protected health information had been accidentally uploaded and exposed, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.

In an April 9 notice on its website, Harrington Healthcare said a mailing list containing patients' names, ages, addresses, dates of birth and physician names was accidentally uploaded to a network file location on its information system that was not designed to store secure patient information and could have been accessed by parties outside of the health system.



April 23, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

Better, More Thorough Cleaning Saves Lives

Cleanliness is the first line of defense to protect patients from killer pathogens, but many hospitals refuse to make it a priority.


Encompass Health Opens the Rehabilitation Hospital of Amarillo

The 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is now accepting patients.


Ground Broken on Sarasota Memorial Hospital-North Port

It is expected to be completed in 2028.


Cost Saving Strategies for Hospital Modernization Projects

Modernization efforts can save healthcare entities money if planned correctly.


Central Jersey Medical Center Reports Ransomware Attack

At this time, there is no evidence that patient information has been misused.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.