What You Need to Know
Morrison Community Hospital experienced a data breach where an unauthorized party accessed patients’ personal details, including Social Security numbers, medical records, and insurance information.
- Company Name: Morrison Community Hospital
- Date Filed: November 22, 2023
- Number of People Affected: Unknown
- Data Breached: Names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical record numbers, health insurance policy numbers, medical history, mental or physical condition, medical diagnosis or treatment.
Who’s Affected & What Data Was Breached
Affected Customers
The specific number of individuals affected by the Morrison Community Hospital data breach has not been disclosed. Patients of Morrison Community Hospital who had their information on the compromised computer system are the victims of this data security incident.
Types of Data Breached
Patients of Morrison Community Hospital had a variety of sensitive information exposed. This includes names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical record numbers, health insurance policy numbers, and detailed medical information such as medical history, conditions, diagnoses, or treatments.
Timeline and Events of the Morrison Community Hospital Data Breach
Discovery and Initial Response
On September 24, 2023, Morrison Community Hospital (MCH) discovered a network security incident indicating an unauthorized party had gained access to its computer system. In immediate response, the hospital moved to shut down network access and engaged third-party data security experts to conduct an in-depth investigation.
Investigation and Findings
The ensuing investigation, which concluded on November 6, 2023, determined that the unauthorized entity had the ability to access and possibly obtained specific files that contained confidential patient information. This information encompassed a range of sensitive data, which was potentially compromised.
Types of Information Compromised
Information accessible to the unauthorized party included personal and medical data relevant to the hospital’s patients. The specific types of data affected were patients’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical record numbers, health insurance policy numbers, and details of medical histories, conditions, diagnoses, or treatments.
Notification to Patients
The completion of the investigation prompted Morrison Community Hospital to review the files and identify which consumers were affected. Shortly after, on November 22, 2023, MCH began the process of distributing data breach notification letters to the impacted individuals, informing them of the incident and detailing the information that was compromised.
Advice to Affected Individuals
The letters sent by MCH aimed to equip patients with the necessary information about the breach and outlined the steps they should consider to protect themselves. Patients were advised on how to monitor and protect their personal information from potential misuse following the incident.
More Information About Morrison Community Hospital
Overview of Morrison Community Hospital
Morrison Community Hospital (MCH) is a healthcare institution that provides a wide array of medical services to its patient community. Situated in Morrison, Illinois, MCH serves as a critical access hospital, which is a designation for rural hospitals to ensure that residents in these areas have access to essential healthcare services.
Services Offered
The facility delivers comprehensive healthcare services ranging from emergency and ambulance services to specialized care. Patients rely on Morrison Community Hospital for laboratory testing, surgical procedures, radiology, and various rehabilitation services including physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Specialized Care
Morrison Community Hospital also extends its services to offer skilled nursing, advanced skin care, and wound care. Moreover, it provides specialized medical attention in neurology and behavioral health, addressing the diverse health needs of its patient base.
Customer Base
The customer base of MCH consists primarily of the residents of Morrison and the surrounding rural areas. As a critical access hospital, Morrison Community Hospital plays a vital role in catering to the medical needs of this community, which may otherwise have limited access to care.
Importance in Community
As an integral part of its community, MCH serves not just as a place for treating illnesses and injuries but also as a center for health education and wellness. It provides valuable resources for preventing diseases and maintaining overall community health.
Economic Impact
In addition to its health services, Morrison Community Hospital contributes economically to the region. With more than 91 employees, it is a source of employment and generates an estimated $7 million in annual revenue, underlining its role as a significant local employer and economic contributor.
Commitment to Care
The institution’s dedication to its patients is evident in its holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their patients is addressed. MCH’s range of services reflects a commitment to addressing the full spectrum of health care needs.
Contact and Accessibility
For those seeking care or information from Morrison Community Hospital, the facility remains a primary contact point for health services and inquiries. Its location and breadth of services make it accessible to the patients it serves, reinforcing its central role in providing critical care within the community.