HHS OCR report ยท 2017
University of Wisconsin - Madison data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Wisconsin
- Individuals affected
- 1,000
- Submission date
- Sep 7, 2017
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), the University of Wisconsin - Madison reported that employees mailed postcards containing the protected health information (PHI) of 1,000 individuals. The PHI involved included names, addresses, medications prescribed, and other clinical information. The CE provided breach notification to HHS, the media, and affected individuals. The CE also offered free identity protection services to all individuals affected by this breach incident, implemented additional administr...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the University of Wisconsin - Madison data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 1,000 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Sep 7, 2017.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, 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 University of Wisconsin - Madison 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 University of Wisconsin - Madison.