HHS OCR report ยท 2021
Boston Medical Center data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Boston Medical Center
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Massachusetts
- Individuals affected
- 723
- Submission date
- Nov 24, 2021
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Boston Medical Center, reported that a workforce member sent an email without using the blind carbon copy function and compromised the protected health information (PHI) of 723 individuals. The PHI involved included email addresses, names, and diagnoses. The CE notified HHS and the affected individuals. In response to the breach, the CE retrained the responsible employee and revised its policy and procedures.
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by Boston Medical Center
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Medical Center | MA | 15,265 | Apr 29, 2014 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Boston Medical Center data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 723 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Nov 24, 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: Email.
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 Boston Medical Center 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 Boston Medical Center.