Keller Grover LLP Investigates 21st Century Oncology Data Breach

SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Keller Grover LLP is investigating recent reports that healthcare provider 21^st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. may have suffered a data breach involving its patients' personal information, including sensitive information such as patient names, medical diagnoses, and social security numbers.

According to a letter sent to affected individuals, the FBI notified 21^st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. of the data breach in November 2015.  The letter states that patient information was illegally obtained by an unauthorized third party who may have gained access to a 21^st Century Database.  The database included patient personal information, including some patients' names, social security numbers, physician names, diagnoses and treatment information, and insurance information. 

The data breach is suspected to have occurred in October 2015.  Nevertheless, 21^st Century claims that it delayed any public announcement of the data breach pursuant to an FBI request that no announcement be made while the FBI was investigating the matter.  21^st Century notified affected individuals in March 2016.

"Medical information is considered to be among the most personal and private of information under California law," says Keller Grover LLP attorney Carey G. Been.  "For that reason, healthcare providers are required to give patients timely notice of data breaches and the negligent release and disclosure of medical information can, under certain circumstances, give rise to claims by affected individuals for money damages."

Similar medical data breaches involving the failure to properly secure medical information have given rise to class action lawsuits.  Earlier this year, for example, St. Joseph Health Systems finalized a $7.5 million class action lawsuit settlement in California involving St. Joseph's alleged failure to properly secure its network, allowing patient information to become publicly accessible on the internet.

If you have any information about the data breach or are a California resident that has been affected by the data breach and have questions, contact Keller Grover's attorneys at 888 535-5291 or by email at [email protected]. 

Keller Grover LLP is a leader in the field of medical information privacy litigation and has represented clients in numerous medical data breach class action cases, including lawsuits against St. Joseph Health Systems, Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, and Health Net.  Keller Grover will not charge you for reviewing your information and all information that you provide to Keller Grover in the process of seeking legal advice will be held strictly confidential.
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SOURCE Keller Grover LLP