Laptops with PHI missing
In the unprecedented event, few laptops went missing in the period of three years from ambulances in the Dallas area. According to the reports, laptops contained patient information. Dallas City Hall stated that Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) laptop computers in DFR ambulances “became unaccounted for” in the three-year period.
“If the EMS laptop used during a patient’s treatment was one of those unaccounted for, and if the paramedics performed an electrocardiogram (EKG) on the patient, that EKG and possibly the patient’s name, age and gender, may have become accessible to an unauthorized person(s),” explained a press release from the city of Dallas.
Incident was reported to US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and according to the process affected patients were notified.
“The City has formed a breach assessment team, which is working with an outside consulting firm to assess potential security risks related to the EMS laptops,” the statement read. “Once the risks have been identified, actions will be implemented to prevent such events from recurring.”
Reports failed to mention number of laptops that went missing. According to the release, Patients who have been contacted and who have questions related to this matter can call the Dallas Fire-Rescue EMS staff.
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