HHS OCR report · 2019
Northwestern Health Sciences University data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Minnesota
- Individuals affected
- 1,198
- Submission date
- May 21, 2019
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Northwestern Health Sciences University (NHSU), reported that several employees were the victims of an email phishing attack. This breach affected 1,198 individuals and the protected health information (PHI) involved included names, Social Security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, passport information, diagnostic information, treatment information, medications prescribed, and health insurance information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, the media, and o...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Northwestern Health Sciences University data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 1,198 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on May 21, 2019.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Hacking/IT Incident, 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University.