[kaiserthrive.org editor’s note: Kaiser’s statement expressing its regrets and that it “believes notifying our members of the possible breach…is the right thing to do,” almost makes you believe it is finally learning something from public criticism of its ‘deny everything’ approach to handling complaints. Almost, because notification is actually required by law. Still, we’re pleased that Kaiser is listening even when its claims to have voluntarily accepted responsibility lack sincerity. Fake it ’til you make it is what we always say! Additional Kaiser member privacy violations have been reported here, here, and here.]
Stolen Kaiser Laptop Has 38,000 Members’ Data
(CBS4) DENVER Kaiser Permanente Colorado reported Tuesday that it was notifying about 38,000 members of a possible breach of their private health information. The data was on a laptop that was stolen from the personal car of a national Kaiser Permanente employee in California.
Kaiser Permanente said information on the laptop included names, member ID numbers, dates of birth, age, gender and provider/physician information. The data included on the laptop was part of a review of an internal health quality project and is limited to two Kaiser Permanente Colorado medical offices: Skyline and Southwest.
Kaiser said it believed the laptop was stolen for its street value and not the information on the computer. No social security information was involved.
Kaiser Permanente said it “regrets the situation and believes notifying our members of the possible breach of private health information is the right thing to do.”
A special phone line has been set up for members to call with questions. That number is 1-866-529-0813.
When is Kaiser going to learn that “doing the right thing” is not a pose for the sake of PR – it involves proactively repairing damage done.
At least they gave up on “we take protecting the privacy and security of our members” personal medical information seriously. That one was getting old!