When should an information breach affecting less than 500 individuals be reported?

In the context of information breaches, a breach affecting less than 500 individuals requires specific attention to reporting timelines. According to federal regulations, a covered entity is mandated to report breaches of unsecured protected health information affecting fewer than 500 individuals to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) within 60 days after the end of the calendar year in which the breach occurred. This timing allows the entity to consolidate its reports and manage the reporting process effectively.

This requirement is in place to ensure that while smaller breaches are still accounted for, the reporting process is not overly burdensome, allowing covered entities to prioritize larger breaches, which are typically more impactful. This incentivizes prompt action while ensuring comprehensive reporting over time.

Understanding the regulatory framework around breach reporting helps reinforce the importance of vigilance and accountability in handling sensitive health information.