Stanford Hospital & Clinics vows to fight $20M class action

Publication Date	10/04/2011
Source:	Palo Alto Daily News (CA)

Stanford Hospital & Clinics vows to fight $20M class action [Palo Alto Daily News, Calif.]

Oct. 04–Stanford Hospital & Clinics vowed Monday to “vigorously defend” itself against a $20-million class-action complaint filed in the wake of a data breach that saw the medical records of 20,000 patients posted on a commercial website for nearly a year. Shana Springer filed the complaint on Sept. 28 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, on behalf of fellow patients treated in Stanford’s emergency room between March 1, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2009. She is seeking $1,000 per patient, as well as other penalties, damages and attorneys fees. The nine-page complaint alleges the hospital violated the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, a state law that requires medical providers to safeguard patient information and prohibits its disclosure without written consent. “On its website, Stanford claims that its patients’ ‘health care experience is [its] highest priority.’ Thus, it should be no surprise that when patients are treated at Stanford’s facilities, they expect that their private medical information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without their authorization,” the complaint states. In a brief statement released Monday, Stanford placed the blame on complaint codefendant Multi-Specialty Collection Services LLC, saying it was the subcontractor that mishandled the data. The hospital has since cut ties with the Woodland Hills-based company, which provided collection and billing services. “(Stanford Hospital & Clinics) intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit that has been filed as it acted appropriately and did not violate the law as claimed in the lawsuit,” the statement said. According to the complaint, Multi-Specialty Collection Services was “in part responsible for the unlawful disclosure of the private medical information of Plaintiff and class members.” Stanford confirmed the data breach on Sept. 8. The released information included medical record numbers, hospital account numbers, billing charges, and emergency room admission and discharge dates. It also revealed a Santa Clara man’s psychiatric diagnosis. Credit card and Social Security numbers were not included. According to its statement, the hospital properly sent the data to Multi-Specialty Collection Services in an encrypted format to protect its confidentiality. The company produced an electronic spreadsheet, which it allegedly sent to a third party for help creating a graph to display the data. That third party then posted the information on a public website, Stanford said. Springer’s complaint identified the website as Student of Fortune, which solicits bids to answer homework questions. The data first appeared online in early September 2009. The identity of the person who uploaded the information was not disclosed in either the complaint or the statement. “This mishandling of private patient information was in complete contravention of the law and of the requirements of (Multi-Specialty Collection Service’s) contract with (Stanford Hospital & Clinics) and is shockingly irresponsible,” Stanford said in its statement. However, no identity theft cases have been reported as a result of the data breach, which went unnoticed for nearly a year, according to the hospital. “To date there is no evidence that anyone saw this information on the website and improperly used it for fraudulent or any other improper purpose,” the statement said. “(Stanford Hospital & Clinics) has investigated this matter, terminated its relationship with (Multi-Specialty Collection Service), and reported this breach to law enforcement authorities.” The hospital reiterated Monday that it moved quickly to have the sensitive information pulled from the website once it became aware of the data breach, notified the affected patients and provided free identity protection services. Multi-Specialty Collection Services representatives could not be reached for comment late Monday afternoon. Los Angeles-based lawyers Brian S. Kabateck, Richard L. Kellner, Karen Liao, Byron T. Ball and Bradley I. Kramer are representing Springer and the proposed class. Email Jason Green at jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com. ___ (c)2011 the Palo Alto Daily News (Menlo Park, Calif.) Visit the Palo Alto Daily News (Menlo Park, Calif.) at www.paloaltodailynews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

Velveeta Shells and Cheese Recall: Metal Debris

About 137,000 cases of Kraft’s Velveeta Shells and Cheese microwaveable cups have been recalled due to concerns that they may contain pieces of metal wire, which could pose a choking hazard or injury risk.

The Velveeta Shells & Cheese recall was announced by the FDA on September 30.

According to Kraft Foods Global, Inc. the microwaveable meals, which are similar to macaroni and cheese with a different type of pasta, are being recalled because pieces of small, thin wire bristles may be found in some of the packages.  However, there have been no consumer injuries or complaints connected with the recall and the company did not clarify how this contamination was discovered.

The recall affects Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Microwaveable Cups sold in 2.39 oz. cups with a best when used by date of 16 MAY 2012 and a UPC of 2100002322; Velveeta Shells & Cheese Original Four Pack Microwaveable Cups with best when used by dates of 24 APR 2012 to 16 MAY 2012 with a UPC of 2100002339; Velveeta Shells & Cheese Made with 2% Milk Microwaveable Cups sold in 2.19 oz. cups with a best if used by date of 25 MAR 2012 to 30 MAR 2012 and a UPC of 2100002323; Velveeta Shells & Cheese Made with 2% Milk Four Pack Microwaveable Cups with a best if used by date of 29 MAR 2012 to 12 APR 2012 and UPC of 2100002946; and Velveeta Rotini & Cheese Broccoli Microwaveable Cups sold in 2.44 oz cups with a best when used by date of 29 MAR 2012 to 12 APR 2012 and UPC of 2100002318. The “best when used by” date is located on the bottom of the package.

The FDA and Kraft warn consumers not to eat products affected by the recall. Instead, they can be returned to the place of purchase for an exchange or full refund. Consumers with questions can call Kraft Foods Consumer Relations at (800) 308-1841.