Unencrypted laptop stolen from Texas practice
The theft of an unencrypted laptop has resulted in UT Physicians, the group practice of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School, notifying 596 patients that some of their protected health information may have been compromised.
The laptop, which when used was connected to an electromyography machine that records electrical activity of muscles, was last used on July 19 and found missing from a locked closet at an orthopedic clinic on Aug. 2, according to an announcement from the university. The laptop contained hand and arm image data, names, dates of birth and medical record numbers. No financial, insurance or Social Security information was on the machine.
UT Physicians has encrypted more than 5,000 laptops over the past two years but the missing laptop fell through the cracks. The university now is conducting a search of all clinics and offices to ensure no laptops or other storage devices attached to medical equipment remain unencrypted.
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.