Burglary compromises 2,900 patients' data at StarCare Specialty Health

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A mental and behavioral health system in Lubbock, Texas, is notifying nearly 2,900 individuals of a potential data breach after five laptops were stolen from an administrative office.

StarCare Specialty Health System learned of the burglary May 30. Only one of the five stolen laptops contained confidential information that could be accessed by an unauthorized person. The health system reports it disabled the laptop to reduce the potential of harm. Additionally, the burglar may have viewed a box of paper files in the office.

Potentially compromised information includes names, medical record numbers, telephone numbers, diagnosis, admission and discharge dates, birth dates, Social Security numbers and Medicare and Medicaid numbers.

The health system does not have evidence at this time indicating confidential information was misused, and indicates it has taken action to reduce or eliminate the chances of a similar event occurring in the future. Additionally, the health system has encrypted all of its computers.

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