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Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2001 13:55:01 -0600
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: Peter Swire <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Kids' Psych Records Placed on Web
From the front page of today's LA Times. "Web Mishap: Kids'
Psychological Files Posted"
"Detailed psychological records containing the innermost secrets
of at least 62 children and teenagers were accidentally posted on the
University of Montana Web site last week in one of the most glaring
violations of privacy over the Internet.
"The 400 pages of documents describe patient visits and offer
diagnoses by therapists of mental retardation, depression, schizophrenia
and other serious conditions.
"In nearly all cases, they contain complete names, dates of birth
and sometimes home addresses and schools attended, along with results of
psychological testing. ...
Full story at
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-110701private.story
The story, I think, is further evidence that privacy and security
practices need to keep improving for health care. National medical privacy
rules are scheduled for implementation in April, 2003, including for online
records, but HHS has not yet issued the accompanying computer security rules.
Peter
Prof. Peter P. Swire, Ohio State University
Visiting, George Washington Law School, 2001-02
Former Chief Counselor for Privacy, U.S. Office of Management & Budget
Phone: (301) 213-9587 or (202) 994-0812
web: www.osu.edu/units/law/swire.htm
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