What is the minimum number of patients affected by a data breach that requires reporting to the media?

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and related regulations, when a data breach occurs, covered entities are required to report such incidents to affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and in certain situations, to the media. The threshold for media notification is set at a minimum of 500 patients.

When a data breach affects 500 or more individuals, it is categorized as a significant event, prompting the requirement to notify the media to inform the public and potentially mitigate further risks. This is an essential part of ensuring transparency and maintaining trust within the community.

Smaller breaches do not mandate media reporting. For patients affected under this threshold, while notification to affected individuals and the HHS is still necessary, media involvement is not required, underscoring why the number 500 is crucial in determining compliance in these cases.