On February 16, 2024, McKenzie County Healthcare System, Inc. d/b/a McKenzie Health (“McKenzie Health”) filed a notice of data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights after discovering that an unauthorized party was able to access an employee’s email account. In this notice, McKenzie Health explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, addresses, medical information, and health insurance information. Upon completing its investigation, McKenzie Health began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.

If you received a data breach notification from McKenzie County Healthcare System, Inc., it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. A data breach lawyer can help you learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, as well as discuss your legal options following the McKenzie Health data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the McKenzie Health Data Breach?

The McKenzie Health data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, McKenzie Health’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides some important information on what led up to the breach. McKenzie Health also posted a website notice discussing the incident.

According to these sources, on October 5, 2023, McKenzie Health detected suspicious activity within an employee’s email account. In response, McKenzie Health secured its email environment and then launched an investigation to learn more about the incident, as well as whether any patient data was leaked as a result.

Ultimately, the McKenzie Health investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access the employee’s email account between October 2, 2023 and October 4, 2023. As a result, the unauthorized party also obtained access to confidential patient information stored in various emails and attachments.

After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, McKenzie Health reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, address, medical information, and health insurance information.

On February 13, 2024, McKenzie Health sent out data breach letters to anyone who was affected by the recent data security incident. These letters should provide victims with a list of what information belonging to them was compromised.

More Information About McKenzie County Healthcare System, Inc.

Founded in 2004 through the merger of Good Shepherd Home Corporation and the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital Corporation, McKenzie County Healthcare System, Inc. is a healthcare system headquartered in Watford City, North Dakota. McKenzie Health operates several healthcare facilities, including Connie Wood Wellness Center, Good Shepherd Home, Horizon Assisted Living, McKenzie Health Hospital, and a number of rural and specialty clinics and urgent care facilities. McKenzie Health also operates six outreach clinics in New Town, ND; Plentywood, MT; Stanley, ND; Tioga, ND; and Williston, ND. McKenzie Health employs more than 64 people and generates approximately $42 million in annual revenue.