An unauthorized user accessed the computer network of a business associate (BA) which stored the financial records of Serene Sedation, LLC (CE). The server contained the protected health information (PHI) of approximately 5,207 individuals, including demographic and financial information. Following the breach, the CE discontinued storing financial records on its BA's networks, and increased its own security by adding encryption. OCR reviewed the CE’s risk analysis and BA agreements and obtained assurances that the CE took immediate steps to increase the security of ePHI by encrypting its computer hard drives, encrypting outgoing e-mails, and using a virtual private network (VPN). The CE provided breach notification to HHS, affected individuals, and the media.
Affected (this filing): 5,207