A whopping 15,000 patients have recently had their personal medical records stolen from a chic Beverly Hills plastic surgery clinic. Apparently, the stolen information includes people from 16 different states and four countries, and even include some of Los Angeles’ rich, elite, and renowned celebrities. It is no surprise that this is a serious data breach that could put some of Los Angeles’ elite at risk of exposing their personal information.
This massive date breach included many personal aspects of the patients’ lives with the stolen information including debit and credit cards, copies of checks, copies of IDs, usernames & passwords, and even photos of patients before and after their surgeries. In fact, some sources have suggested that the thief had also stolen photos that were taken during the surgeries and posted them on social media in an effort to embarrass, expose, and humiliate some patients.
A whopping 15,000 patients have recently had their personal medical records stolen from a chic Beverly Hills plastic surgery clinic.
Sources suggest that the massive data breach was orchestrated and carried out by a former, disgruntled employee. The ex-employee’s responsibilities consisted of being a driver and translator, but also entered data and answered phone calls. She was ultimately terminated for allegedly stealing from the practice, which comes as little to no surprise. Not only did the staff member take photos before and after surgeries, but she also posted discourteous videos of Dr. Zain Kadri, M.D. to Snapchat in an effort to discredit the doctor; this employee was clearly a wild card.
Violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act can result in serious consequences. In fact, the thief can be fined a large sum of money, up to $50,000. Obtaining PHI (Protected Health Information) for personal gain or with malicious intent is also a criminal penalty that will not only result with a fine, but can also result in up to 10 years in jail. Either way, this ex-employee is going to pay the price for her actions.
In fact, the thief can be fined a large sum of money, up to $50,000.
The Rodeo Drive plastic surgery clinic had received a lot of attention a few years back when Dr. Zain Kadri performed free of charge on a woman who had her entire face attacked by her dog. This is a well-respected surgeon who has a number of patients including high-end celebrities. After the massive data breach, the clinic contacted patients to be aware of anyone claiming to be calling on behalf of the clinic. Medical Information must be kept private and such disclosures can lead to massive issues. It is of paramount importance that this former disgruntled employee’s actions be immediately halted and dealt with by law enforcement.
-Nathan Katz and Kevin Lipton, ESQ
Lipton Legal Group, A PC – Beverly Hills, CA
See our inspiration for this story at TMZ: http://www.tmz.com/2017/06/01/beverly-hills-plastic-surgeon-medical-files-stolen-photos-celebrities/