HHS OCR report · 2022
Northwestern Medical Center data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Northwestern Medical Center
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Vermont
- Individuals affected
- 686
- Submission date
- Aug 9, 2022
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Electronic Medical Record
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Northwest Medical Center, reported that an employee impermissibly accessed medical records containing the protected health information (PHI) of 686 individuals. The PHI involved included names, addresses, drivers’ license and Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and diagnoses. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, and the media. A call center was created for questions or concerns. Following the breach, the CE sanctioned the employee responsible and strengthe...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Northwestern Medical Center data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 686 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Aug 9, 2022.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, with the breached information located in: Electronic Medical Record.
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 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 Northwestern Medical Center.