Little Rock – Jane W. Duke, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, along with William C. Temple, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced today the sentencing of Andrea Smith, of Trumann, Arkansas. United States District Judge Susan Weber Wright sentenced Smith to two years probation including 100 hours of community service suggesting that she consider educating others on the consequences of violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) statute.

Smith, a licensed practical nurse at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty in April, 2008 to wrongfully disclosing individually identifiable health information for personal gain, a violation of the health information privacy provisions of HIPAA. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing determines whether or not Smith will be able to maintain or renew her license to practice nursing.

This case was investigated by the Little Rock Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura G. Hoey.

For more information on this case, see attached prior News Release dated 4/15/08. April news release also available at www.usdoj.gov/usao/are .