CALIFORNIA COMPUTER STOLEN http://www.mydesert.com/article/20120501/NEWS0801/205010323/Desert-AIDS-Project-Patient-data-stolen


PALM SPRINGS — Desert AIDS Project's 2,200 clients have been notified that a computer with some patient information was stolen, the nonprofit said Monday.

The desktop computer was stolen April 12 from the reception area of the DAP offices at 1695 N. Sunrise Way, CEO David Brinkman said.

The password-protected computer contained a spreadsheet that had clients' names, dates of birth, the staff people they are assigned to, their status in the program and Desert AIDS Project identification numbers.

“There were no Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, health insurance numbers, anything like that,” Brinkman said.

Letters were sent out to all clients in compliance with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Brinkman said. It is also posted on the Desert AIDS Project website.

The theft was reported to police the next day, said Brinkman, who couldn't comment on the investigation. He said two or three clients had emailed him in response to the letter to verify their Social Security number or other more sensitive information were not included on the stolen computer.

Blake Herzog covers Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage for The Desert Sun, and can be reached by telephone at (760) 778-4757 or blake.herzog@thedesertsun.com.