Thirty-four percent of state health departments screened in a Social Security Administration audit collected and used mothers' Social Security numbers in their newborn screening programs. Using mothers' SSNs as an identifier increases the risk of SSN misuse and the possibility of identity theft, find authors of the Nov. 28 SSA office of inspector general audit report (.pdf).

"We believe unnecessary collection and use of SSNs increase the potential for dishonest individuals to obtain these numbers and misuse them," write report authors.

Of the 50 state health departments surveyed by the SSA OIG, 17 used SSNs as an infant-mother identifier, for tracking health screenings or for billing information. Many DoHs told auditors SSNs were not the primary identifier, but many said it was an important identification element, according to the report.

One health department official told auditors the SSN is the best identifier because it is unique to each person and will not change, but report authors say other unique identifiers could be used that don't put mothers at risk of identity theft. However, the OIG report did not explain what those other unique identifiers were.

The OIG recommends SSA reach out to state health departments to encourage them to stop collecting mothers' SSNs in newborn screening programs. "While SSA cannot prohibit SSN collection and use, we believe it can take steps to enhance SSN integrity," said report authors. Agency officials concurred with the OIG's recommendations.

For more:
- see the audit report (.pdf)

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