KPMG

OCR opened an investigation of the covered entity (CE), Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, after it reported an employee of the CE's business associate (BA), KPMG LLP, lost an unencrypted USB drive that contained the electronic protected health information (ePHI) of 956 individuals. The ePHI included names and clinical information. Upon discovery of the breach, the CE's BA conducted a search of the area. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, the Media and affected individuals. As a result of OCR's investigation, the BA installed and implemented encryption software to its electronic equipment and devices. In addition, the BA encrypted and password protected all equipment and devices that could contain the CE's data. The BA also reprimanded and retrained the employee and retrained all employees on safeguarding ePHI. The breach incident involved a BA and occurred prior to the September 23, 2013, compliance date. OCR verified that the CE had a proper BA agreement in place that restricted the BA's use and disclosure of PHI and required the BA to safeguard all PHI.