HHS OCR report · 2018
Western Washington Medical Group Inc. data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Western Washington Medical Group Inc.
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Washington
- Individuals affected
- 842
- Submission date
- Jan 12, 2018
- Type of breach
- Improper Disposal
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity's (CE) contracted janitorial service comingled the regular trash with shred bin materials containing the protected health information (PHI) of approximately 842 individuals that were ultimately disposed of in the general trash receptacle. The types of PHI involved included patients’ names, addresses, birthdates, claims information, diagnoses, conditions, lab results and medications. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, affected individuals, and the media and also pro...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Western Washington Medical Group Inc. data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 842 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Jan 12, 2018.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Improper Disposal, with the breached information located in: Paper/Films.
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 Western Washington Medical Group Inc. 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 Western Washington Medical Group Inc..