On November 22, 2022, Mena Regional Health System reported a data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights after the healthcare provider learned that patients’ confidential information was leaked after an unauthorized party gained access to its computer system and removed certain data. According to MRHS, the breach resulted in the first and last names, Social Security numbers and protected health information being compromised. Recently, MRHS sent out data breach letters to all affected parties, informing them of the incident and what they can do to protect themselves from identity theft and other frauds.
As a patient of Mena Regional Health System, it goes without saying that you trusted the organization; not only with your information but also your health. However, as a result of the recent MRHS data breach, your information may now be in the hands of sophisticated criminals looking to use your personal information to commit a wide range of frauds. And as we’ve discussed in previous posts, while MRHS may have leaked your information, you will be the one responsible to sort out the chaos. Therefore, it is essential that you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it.
What We Know About the Mena Regional Health System Data Breach
The available information regarding the Mena Regional Health System breach comes from the company’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, as well as the notice posted on the MRHS website. According to these sources, MRHS recently learned that its computer systems were accessed by an unauthorized party. In response, the company alerted law enforcement and then launched an investigation into the incident with the assistance of cybersecurity experts in hopes of learning what, if any, patient information was leaked as a result.
The MRHS investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access portions of the company’s computer system containing patients’ sensitive information.
Upon discovering that confidential patient data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Mena Regional Health System began to review the affected files to determine what information was compromised and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license number, government identification number, financial account information, medical record number, patient account number, medical diagnosis and treatment information, medical provider names, lab results, prescription information, and health insurance information.
On November 22, 2022, Mena Regional Health System sent out data breach letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident.
More Information About Mena Regional Health System
Mena Regional Health System is a healthcare system based in Mena, Arkansas. The organization serves Polk County, as well as the rest of western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. MRHS operates both in- and out-patient facilities, including acute care medical and surgical services, a six-bed ICU, labor and delivery, Mena Senior Behavioral Health Center and Mena Rehabilitation Center, Ouachita Rehabilitation Center, as well as dermatology, cardiology, ophthalmology and urology clinics. Mena Regional Health System employs more than 76 people and generates approximately $14 million in annual revenue.
