Data Stolen from MI Ombudsman Office Includes HIPAA-Protected Information

According to Michigan's Department of Community Health (MCDH), a computer and flash drive belonging to an employee of the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman's Office have been stolen, potentially compromising the personal information of thousands of people receiving long-term care.

Information on the laptop was encrypted, but the data on the flash drive was not. The flash drive contained information about more than 2,500 people, both living and deceased, including more than 1,500 records that contained a Social Security or Medicaid identification number.

After being notified of the theft, investigators were able to reconstruct the stolen data and notify affected parties.

MCDH authorities are working to tighten security measures in light of the theft, including additional training on the use of portable electronic devices. State agencies are providing credit monitoring for people who may have been affected.

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