UPDATE: County Won’t Pay Fine For Exposing Patient Info

CHARLOTTE, NC — Mecklenburg County will not be fined after exposing health department patient information.

The county leaked information of more than 1,200 patients in March 2017.

County Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour says the County Manager confirmed Tuesday that HIPPA decided not to fine the county.

County Commissioners Matthew Ridenhour and Pat Cotham say they were prepared to pay a fine that could have been millions of dollars.

The patient information that went to a news station was given back and never used.

Then, the county changed its online system to prevent anyone from even accidentally sending patient information.

County Commissioner Ridenhour says that could be why HIPPA had mercy.

“The county learned a lesson and put proper controls in place, and taxpayer dollars were protected and not spent paying a fine,” said Commissioner Ridenhour.

County commissioners haven’t seen the details stating HIPPA chose not to impose a fine.

As of Tuesday night, the county said no comment.