Department of Health notification regarding decedent information

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 05 May 2023 05 May 2023

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) is notifying the public, out of an abundance of caution, about an incident that could have compromised some information regarding decedent health information.  

On March 6, 2023, DOH discovered a spreadsheet containing information about individual deaths in New Mexico had been sent to a journalist requesting such information subject to the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). The spreadsheet contained some protected health information about every death in New Mexico from January 2020 through December 2021. The information released did not include names, birthdates, addresses, or contact information of anyone. 

As a result of this incident, DOH urges individuals to be alert for any financial or other activity done in the name of a recently deceased person in their family.  

We have taken steps to comply with all applicable state and federal laws. In addition, we are working to enhance policies and practices to elevate the protection of patient information in the future.  

If you have questions about this incident please contact Amanda Frazier, Chief Privacy Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health at (505) 629-7648.  

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