HIPAA BREACH NOTIFICATION
Kindred Hospital Chicago North (Kindred) takes the privacy and confidentiality of health information seriously. On October 13, 2011, a digital camera containing photos of patient wounds was discovered to be missing from the facility. A nurse inadvertently left the camera unattended for approximately 10 minutes in a patient’s room. The nurse returned to retrieve the camera but could not locate it. Kindred staff conducted an exhaustive search of the facility and interviewed individuals in the area, but the camera has not been found. The wound photos were taken by Kindred staff upon admission for documentation purposes. The photo also contained patient name, room number, date photo was taken, and the location of wound. Kindred will continue to look for the camera. Kindred retrained staff on the importance of protecting electronic equipment containing patient health information.
We have been unable to notify some individuals who were affected by these unauthorized accesses. If you believe your protected health information may be affected, please contact Kindred toll-free at 800-545-0749 for more information.