Please follow the link at the bottom of this page in order to search the database.
Each breach of HIPAA involving 500 or more pieces of data from patients must be reported to HHS, and to the media. Anything from an entire chart to a simple name & address counts as a full patient breach; all patient data is considered protected. The incidence of data breach can occur from improper disposal, theft, loss, unauthorized access, and other types of mishandling or mismanagement of data. The HHS keeps an exhaustive database of all such breaches, which is public record, and available for you to search.
The HIPAA “Wall of Shame”
The Wall of Shame is an inclusive, searchable database hosted by Health & Human Services. All US breaches of data involving data from 500 patients is categorized, and placed on this government website for review by anyone.
Perhaps the biggest issue with being listed on the HIPAA Wall of Shame, is that web-searches of the offending dentist, hospital, doctor, or practice will create links from Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines leading to the HHS entry in the Breach Database. This listing can turn a simple mistake into bad, inescapable PR. This makes the stakes higher than a one-time fine – being on this list will create a public record of noncompliance, and could affect the bottom line of medical and dental practices in ways that haven’t yet been considered.
Getting your data under control is job number one of a practice hosting electronic data. As dental IT experts, dmi Networking can help you begin your risk assessment, and identify security risks on your network. Our HIPAA compliant network security services are specifically designed to comply with HIPAA regulations, and protect you from data breach.
Search the HIPAA Wall of Shame
To search the Wall of Shame, simply follow the link below to the HHS database. The importance of data and network security can not be understated – a vast majority of PHI breaches can be avoided by taking proactive measures.
Click here for the HIPAA Wall of Shame