However, the statement contended that MCCS decrypted the data, used it to create a spreadsheet and then illegally gave it to a person not authorized to handle it. That individual then posted the data on a student homework website in an effort to find help in his or her effort to create a bar graph and charts.

The hospital statement does not identify the individual it alleges posted the information on the Web site. It did say that the person claimed to be an executive vice president at MSCS, and the company's primary contact for Stanford.

"SHC has learned that his relationship with MSCS was that of an independent contractor" who was not authorized to access the data, the hospital said.

In a statement, the hospital maintained that it had acted in accordance with all requirements to protect the confidentiality and blamed MSCS for improperly sharing it.

"This mishandling of private patient information was in complete contravention of the law and of the requirements of MSCS's contract with SHC and is shockingly irresponsible," the statement said.