HHS OCR report · 2021
Cook County Health data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Cook County Health
- Entity type
- Health Plan
- State
- Illinois
- Individuals affected
- 898
- Submission date
- Jul 2, 2021
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- Yes
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Cook County Health, reported that a subcontractor of its business associate (BA) permitted drivers who were not registered with the BA to provide medical transportation to the CE’s health plan members. The CE determined that the unregistered drivers had access to the protected health information (PHI) of 898 individuals. The PHI involved included names, phone numbers, home addresses, and mobility status. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, the media, and poste...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by Cook County Health
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook County Health | IL | Healthcare Provider | 2,713 | Jan 24, 2020 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Cook County Health data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 898 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Jul 2, 2021.
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 Cook County Health 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 Cook County Health.