Vitalité takes stock of a breach of confidentiality situation
Bathurst, February 25, 2014 – Vitalité Health Network takes stock of a breach of confidentiality situation that occurred at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton. A physician from the facility accessed some personal patient/client information without authorization.
“During a record access audit conducted in February 2013, access abnormalities were identified,” said Beauséjour Zone Chief Operating Officer Richard Losier. “As soon as we were made aware of the suspected unauthorized access, we immediately undertook an assessment of the situation. A comprehensive investigation, including a detailed review of several hundred records, was carried out. Our more in-depth investigation conducted since this was discovered has revealed unauthorized access occurring between September 6, 2010 and November 30, 2012,” he added.
The investigation revealed that unauthorized access involved 142 patients/clients. Unauthorized access varies from one patient/client to another. In some cases, demographic information, such as address, telephone number, date of birth, may have been seen and read, while in others, the employee accessed some information in the health record.
“The New Brunswick Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner was informed of this investigation from the outset and is working with Vitalité to help manage this situation. Once the first phase of the investigation was completed by the Network Privacy Office, being data acquisition, a letter was sent to patients/clients concerned,” continued Losier.
“To date, no proof or facts have emerged to suggest that the information was shared or used in any other manner. It is important for us to be transparent and to identify patients/clients who were directly affected by this. We also wish to assure the public that the privacy of personal information and personal health information has been at the forefront of all decisions made in this matter. We sincerely regret this incident and offer our most sincere apologies for any inconvenience this situation may have caused.
The investigation is ongoing on the medical side to clarify the situation. Action will be taken, if necessary, as soon as the investigation will be completed.
Individuals who have received a notification letter can obtain further information by contacting the Privacy Office of Vitalité Health Network, 1-888-433-0033, Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. They can also file a complaint with the New Brunswick Access to Information and Privacy Commissioner by calling 1-877-755-2811 (toll-free) or writing to 65 Regent Street, Suite 230, Fredericton NB E3B 7H8.
