May 4, 2012
The Desert AIDS Project said Monday it has notified its 2,200 clients that a computer containing patient information has been stolen. CEO David Brinkman said the desktop computer was taken from the reception area of DAP's office at 1695 N. Sunrise Way on April 12. The theft was reported to police the following day.
The password-protected computer did not contain "Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, health insurance numbers, anything like that," Brinkman said. However, it did contain a spreadsheet with clients' names, dates of birth, DAP identification numbers, the DAP staffers assigned to work with them, and their status in the program.
Brinkman said the letter was sent to all clients in accordance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. To read the letter, visit www.desertaidsproject.org/notification/.