Media Contact: Kelli Hawkins | khawkins@srhd.org | (509) 324-1539, c (509) 994-8968

SRHD Apologizes and Commits to Corrective Actions

Spokane, Wash. - This past week, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) discovered the unauthorized disclosure of personal health information to Northeast Washington ESD101, occurring on September 8, 2020.  

Recipients included school administrators and nursing staff, and the disclosed information included:  

• First and last name 
• Date of birth 
• Gender 
• Address 
• Phone number
• Race 
• Employer 
• COVID-19 testing and results 
• COVID-19 related hospitalization status   

According to Amelia Clark, SRHD administrative officer, SRHD is investigating the incident and will be implementing appropriate corrective actions to mitigate unauthorized disclosure of information in the future.  

“We are very sorry to have accidentally released confidential information to a partner agency,” Clark said. “We are confident that this agency shares our concern and commitment to safeguard your personal information, yet we will work diligently to ensure that it does not happen again.”  

Notification was sent to those whose information was included in the disclosure. No Social Security numbers or financial information were noted on any of the documents, however those affected are encouraged to monitor their bank accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately. In addition, Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the insurance companies should be monitored for possible ID theft activities

Clark further explained that SRHD is fully investigating the incident and will implement appropriate corrective actions to mitigate this type of unauthorized disclosure in the future.   

“We are committed to protecting the information of our clients and sincerely apologize for this incident,” Clark said.  

SRHD’s HIPAA officer can be reached at 509.324.1439 (Toll free: 800.854.9173; TDD: 509.324.1469) with any questions or requests for additional information.