A Portland psychologist has alerted the public that his laptop was stolen last month, possibly exposing personal information for 4,000 patients.
Dr. David Gostnell’s computer was taken from his car on July 7. The laptop contained clinical evaluations, with patients’ full names, diagnoses and Social Security numbers.
Gostnell’s briefcase was taken as well. It contained individual evaluation records, but was recovered from a nearby garbage bin.
The theft was reported to police July 8.
Gostnell said the laptop was password protected; however, there was a disk in the CD drive containing a partial backup of the hard drive. The disk was apparently unencrypted.
Patients at Gostnell’s OHSU practice were not affected. Patients at his Northeast Portland practice, however, should call 1-877-461-7657.
Gostnell doubts the laptop was stolen for reasons of identity theft, and so far, he does not think any personal information has been released or used.
According to OHSU’s website, David Gostnell, Ph.D. is a clinical assistant professor in the Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medical Psychology, consulting with neurosurgeons and other physicians in chronic pain conditions and performing pre-surgical psychological assessments.
At OHSU and in his private practice in Northeast Portland, he assesses and treats patients with neurological disorders. He also acts as a consultant with Kaiser Permanente.
Oregon's Board of Psychologist Examiners lists David R. Gostnell, Ph.D., License #600, as active and not under discipline or supervision. His address is 1923 NE Broadway, Portland, Oregon, and his phone number is 503-281-6615.
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Comments
How irresponsible can you be.. a laptop in your car with patient info on it......"due dilligence"...better learn what that means...well your attorneys's will explain it to you before the civil trial for HIPPA violations.
He should be using some security software like The CyberAngel. It will protect and encrypt the data on the computer and track it if lost or stolen. Companies that do not protect customer data are putting us all at risk!
In this day and age when information is so difficult to protect, this is a complete malpractice issue. After all the work folks have done to create encryption coding for this very purpose, I believe criminal charges should be held against the person not PROTECTING their clients rights to privacy.
Maybe other doctors do the same practice and something legal should be done told hold others accountable
Wow, no excuse for having anyones SS #. Also companies need to have consultants or vendors sign legal docs that they are not violating HIPPA
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