Advanced Care Hospitalists contracts with hospitals and nursing homes to provide internal medicine physicians. Between November 2011 and June 2012, the practice hired an individual who claimed to be a representative of Doctor’s First Choice Billings to provide medical billing services. It was later revealed that individual acted without First Choice’s knowledge.
In February 2014, a hospital that contracted with the practice notified it that patient information — including names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers — was viewable on First Choice’s website.
The practice originally determined 400 individuals were affected in the breach; however, it later filed a supplemental breach report with HHS’ Office for Civil Rights indicating 8,855 more patients could have been affected.
A federal investigation found the practice didn’t enter into a business associate agreement with the individual who provided the medical billing services until April 2014. HIPAA requires covered entities to establish these types of agreements with third-party vendors to ensure that patients’ protected health information is appropriately secured.
The investigation also found that the practice did not conduct a risk analysis or implement security measures as required under HIPAA until 2014.
As part of the settlement, the medical practice will implement a corrective action plan to adopt business associate agreements, conduct an enterprisewide risk analysis and implement comprehensive policies and procedures to comply with HIPAA.
More articles on legal and regulatory:
Hospitals sue HHS over site-neutral payment policy
Chicago physician convicted of billing fraud
Mon Health sues ex-cardiologist for breach of contract, swiping 400 patients
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
