HHS’ Office for Civil Rights Settles HIPAA Privacy Rule Investigation with Dr. Linda L. Shen d/b/a Shen Smiles, P.C. - Takeaways - DentalSpire
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HHS Civil Rights Office Resolves HIPAA Privacy Rule Probe Involving Dr. Linda L. Shen and Shen Smiles, P.C.

  • By

  • Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

  • October 8, 2026

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  • 1

    HHS OCR resolved a HIPAA Privacy Rule investigation of Pennsylvania dental provider Linda L. Shen, doing business as Shen Smiles, P.C.

  • 2

    The investigation followed a complaint alleging that Shen Smiles delayed access to an individual’s protected health information despite multiple requests.

  • 3

    OCR found that Shen Smiles lacked required policies and procedures, including those addressing individuals’ access rights, and had not reasonably safeguarded PHI.

  • 4

    Shen Smiles said it could not provide access because a workforce member had stolen the records.

  • 5

    The parties settled on August 11, 2026, before an administrative hearing, and Shen Smiles agreed to pay OCR $140,000.

Original Source(s)

HHS’ Office for Civil Rights Settles HIPAA Privacy Rule Investigation with Dr. Linda L. Shen d/b/a Shen Smiles, P.C.

  • by Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

  • October 8, 2026

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