November, 2004
Regular readers of this column know that I usually try to infuse some humor into the topic, usually it relates to something I've experienced...a random embarrassing moment, or an observation about some absurd budget proposal coming out of Sacramento. However, every once in a while, something happens that is simply not funny, and no amount of creative one-liners will make it so. Which brings me to my topic for this month.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) sent out a media advisory on October 19, 2004, advising the public that CDSS, the California Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating a security breach that occurred when an unauthorized person accessed a computer at the University of California at Berkeley which contained personal information about In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) recipients and care providers. The information included names, addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers and dates of birth for recipients and providers from 2001 to August 2004. It was being used for research on the IHSS program and was obtained through proper authorization by the CDSS.
I didn't know CDSS could provide personal information about recipients and providers to research facilities like UC Berkeley without permission, but apparently they are authorized by law to share information about the program for research purposes. The data was released for a study regarding the impact that higher provider wages has on the quality of care for recipients. Anyone who knows anything about the IHSS program knows that we need studies that show the direct correlation between higher wages and better care, but I'm sure that more than one of you out there are surprised to learn that your personal information could be shared with others. I wanted to write about this because I know the IHSS program is vital to many people with disabilities and seniors who live in Monterey County, and up to this point you may not have heard about it.
The investigation is still underway, and I want to emphasize that CDSS has received no information that identity theft or misuse of the data has occurred, but they are advising the public about the breach as a precautionary measure. They have assured IHSS recipients and providers that this incident will in no way affect their services or payments from the IHSS program. They are encouraging anyone who is concerned to contact one of the three major credit-reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit accounts and obtain a free copy of your credit report. You will find the contact information for them included here:
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289, Experian 1-888-397-3742, Equifax 1-800-525-6285
CDSS has posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions on their website and have asked anyone with questions to contact them. Their website is www.cdss.ca.gov/ihss. Click on the IHSS Security Incident Frequently Asked Questions link. CDSS' toll free number is 1-866-404-9214 and 1-800-952-8349 TTY.