Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan
Your Personal Info Could Be
Exposed Online After
This Hospital Breach
Breach Description
The Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan (CHCWM) experienced a ransomware attack that resulted in unauthorized access to certain information pertaining to patients and employees. The breach was confirmed by CHCWM, which is a physician-owned oncology and hematology practice based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, operating five health centers and five regional clinics throughout western Michigan[1].
The compromised information for employees may include Social Security numbers and bank account details, while for patients, it may include parts of their health records. Following the incident, CHCWM began sending out data breach notification letters to affected individuals on March 18, 2022[1].
The breach affected as many as 43,071 individuals, making it one of the significant health care data breaches in Michigan[11]. Despite the breach, CHCWM has continued to expand its services, including opening a new clinic in Big Rapids[2][4][6].
A proposed class action lawsuit alleging negligence by CHCWM in connection with the data breach was filed by plaintiff Bridget Shepherd. However, the lawsuit was dismissed as Shepherd did not have standing because her data was not compromised in the breach[3][7].
In the wake of the breach, CHCWM and other organizations that store consumer data have a legal obligation to ensure the privacy of this information. The United States data breach laws allow consumers to pursue civil data breach claims against organizations that fail to protect their data[1].
For those affected by the breach, it is recommended to monitor credit reports and financial accounts regularly for signs of unauthorized activity or fraud, and to consider placing a credit freeze on accounts to prevent the opening of new credit/financial accounts[1].
Citations:
- https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/data-breach-alert-cancer-hematology-9717181/
- https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/health-care/oncology-practice-considers-additional-expansion-after-opening-big-rapids-clinic/
- https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/michigan-cancer-center-beats-class-suit-over-2021-data-breach
- https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/cancer-hematology-centers-opens-facility-big-18179384.php
- https://www.dataguidance.com/news/usa-cancer-hematology-centers-western-michigan-notifies
- https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/health-care/grand-rapids-oncology-practice-expands-to-big-rapids/
- https://unicourt.com/case/pc-db5-shepherd-v-cancer-hematology-centers-of-western-michigan-pc-1261350
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oneoncology-partners-continue-growth-by-adding-practices-to-national-platform-302005223.html
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shuxley_securityfirst-databreach-grandrapids-activity-7107753620250513408-gLEm
- https://www.ajmc.com/view/enhancing-oncology-model-attracts-key-practices-leaders-who-had-success-in-the-ocm
- https://stacker.com/michigan/biggest-health-care-data-breaches-you-should-know-about-michigan
- https://www.crainsdetroit.com/politics-policy/bid-cap-prescription-drug-costs-advances-not-without-opposition
- https://www.hipaajournal.com/ransomware-gangs-claim-health-plan-and-healthcare-provider-attacked/
- https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230531/Breast-cancer-patients-experience-more-severe-CIPN-symptoms-with-paclitaxel.aspx
- https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/health-care/regional-cancer-network-names-new-director/