What occurs next after a privacy breach involving a stolen, unencrypted laptop?

In the event of a privacy breach involving a stolen, unencrypted laptop, a comprehensive response is required to comply with regulatory obligations and best practices. This includes several key steps to ensure that affected individuals and relevant authorities are promptly informed.

First, notifying each affected patient by mail is crucial. This notification informs individuals whose personal health information may have been compromised, allowing them to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from identity theft or other privacy-related issues.

Second, issuing a press release to major media outlets serves to inform the public about the breach, especially if it affects a significant number of patients. This transparency helps maintain trust in the healthcare organization and demonstrates a commitment to accountability.

Lastly, notifying the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is a requirement under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Reporting the breach ensures that the regulatory body is aware of the incident, which is essential for compliance and may lead to an investigation to assess the impact and response measures.

Due to the necessity of informing individuals, the public, and regulatory agencies, all of these actions constitute a comprehensive response to a privacy breach, making the correct choice encompass all of the outlined actions.