Email accidentally discloses information of 3,700 disabled patients

An email from Alaska-based Hope Community Resources that had meant to promote a survey of clients and stakeholders instead included attachments with confidential information of its 3,700 disabled clients that contract with Hope, according to an Aug. 20 article in Alaska Dispatch.

In this latest breach, the names, dates of birth, guardians and parents, addresses and other private identifying information were disclosed. The email had sought to collect data required for state health accreditation; ironically, the survey asked recipients—including state workers and others who assist the disabled—about their experience with Hope handling sensitive information, according to the article.

The Alaska Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the information release.