County: Missing Computer Likely Contained Patients' Health Information

By City News Service:

A laptop computer lost or stolen at Riverside County Regional Medical Center may have been loaded with health information belonging to nearly 8,000 patients, though officials Thursday played down the likelihood that data had been compromised.

“We are taking significant measures to safeguard patient privacy and restrict unauthorized access to computers and devices that potentially contain patient data,” said Jan Remm, the hospital’s chief compliance officer. “The privacy of our patients is a fundamental priority in our organization and part of our commitment to quality healthcare.”

According to the county, a hospital supervisor reported the computer missing on Dec. 1. The circumstances of the loss were not specified, but according to officials, the sheriff’s department was notified and an internal investigation was opened.

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The computer did not have encryption protection and possibly contained the records of 7,900 RCRMC patients who sought consultation or treatment for skin and eye disorders between Jan. 26, 2012, and Nov. 26, 2014.

Officials said data may include names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers and health insurance policy numbers. There could also be diagnosis disclosures.

Remm said she did not believe any patient files had been breached or misused.

This is the second time in six months that a hospital laptop has disappeared from the Moreno Valley-based hospital. Last June, a computer containing health information on 563 patients was taken from a procedure room at RCRMC, according to administrators.

Letters are being sent out to patients whose info may have been on the computer reported lost last month. The notices encourage parties to monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity, according to the county.

Patients with questions or concerns were asked to call the RCRMC confidential assistance line at (951) 313-7993.

(Image via Shutterstock)