HHS OCR report · 2016
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Arkansas
- Individuals affected
- 27,393
- Submission date
- Jun 8, 2016
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- Yes
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
OCR opened an investigation of the covered entity (CE), Wal-Mart Stores, after it discovered an erroneous mailing of refund checks by its business associate (BA), Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing/Kansas City, LLC. This breach resulted in unauthorized disclosure of 27,379 individuals’ protected health information, which included names, store locations, refund amounts, prescription or order numbers, and order dates. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, affected individuals, and the media. ...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | AR | Healthcare Provider | 771 | Nov 4, 2016 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 27,393 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Jun 8, 2016.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, with the breached information located in: Paper/Films.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or Wal-Mart Stores, Inc..