During an Oct. 18 burglary, the laptop was allegedly stolen from a physician’s locked car, according to CBS News. It may have contained the names, addresses, medical record numbers and clinical information of patients. Hospital officials said the laptop was protected with a password, but they’re unsure whether it was properly encrypted.
Hospital spokesman Lorenzo Benet said CHLA “believe[s] that all data may have been erased from the device without any patient data being accessed,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
As a precaution, CHLA is mailing notification letters to the potentially affected patients. “Additionally, a protocol has been established to erase data from the device the next time [the suspect] logs onto the internet,” according to a statement from CHLA.
More articles on health IT:
Apple amps up security for its health apps
Allscripts, ePatientFinder launch GeoPrecise
Purdue’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering appoints new director
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
