FBI looking at UMC records leak

The FBI said Friday it may investigate a breach of patient privacy laws at University Medical Center, where hospital officials are reeling with the realization that at least one of their employees has leaked confidential names, birth dates and Social Security numbers.

UMC officials spent Friday determining how they would respond to the Sun’s report that protected patient information allegedly has been sold so ambulance-chasing attorneys can harvest clients.

FBI Special Agent Joseph Dickey said the agency met with officials of the county owned hospital and has begun "evaluating" the unauthorized release of confidential patient records.

Dickey said he could not confirm whether the FBI had officially opened an investigation. The matter appears to violate the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA, a federal law that guards patient privacy.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/21/fbi-looking-umc-records-leak/

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