HHS OCR report · 2016
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Planned Parenthood of the Heartland
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Iowa
- Individuals affected
- 2,506
- Submission date
- Jul 1, 2016
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
On May 6, 2016, during a move out of its Dubuque Health Center, the covered entity, (CE), Planned Parenthood of the Heartland mistakenly left its locked closet open which contained patients’ records. The breach affected approximately 2,506 individuals and the types of protected health information (PHI) involved included patients’ pregnancy tests, lab logs, and colposcopy documentation. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, affected individuals, and the media. Following the breach, the ...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Parenthood of the Heartland | IA | Healthcare Provider | 515 | Jun 29, 2018 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Planned Parenthood of the Heartland data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 2,506 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Jul 1, 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 Planned Parenthood of the Heartland 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 Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.