HHS OCR report ยท 2024
Columbia University Irving Medical Center data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- New York
- Individuals affected
- 29,629
- Submission date
- May 6, 2024
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Network Server
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Columbia University Irving Medical Center, reported that an employee posted the protected health information (PHI) of 29,629 individuals on the Internet. The PHI involved included names, dates of birth, and a single laboratory test result. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, the media, and posted substitute notice on its website. In response to the breach, the CE secured the data and provided staff additional training in its requirements to protect and secure PHI.
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Columbia University Irving Medical Center data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 29,629 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on May 6, 2024.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, with the breached information located in: Network Server.
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 Columbia University Irving 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 Columbia University Irving Medical Center.