HHS OCR report ยท 2018
VCU Health System data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- VCU Health System
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Virginia
- Individuals affected
- 4,686
- Submission date
- Jul 6, 2018
- 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) reported that from January 3, 2003, through May 10, 2018, a staff member accessed the protected health information (PHI) of 4,686 individuals without a legitimate business reason and that two other employees were aware, but did not report it. The types of PHI involved in the breach included demographic, financial, and clinical information. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, affected individuals, and the media. Following the breach, the CE increased safeguar...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the VCU Health System data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 4,686 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Jul 6, 2018.
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 VCU Health System 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 VCU Health System.