On December 22, 2023, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. (“Meridian”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Massachusetts after discovering unauthorized activity within its computer system. In this notice, Meridian explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access patients’ sensitive information, which includes their names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical diagnosis and treatment information, health insurance information, and prescription information. Upon completing its investigation, Meridian 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 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, 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 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Data Breach?

The Meridian Behavioral Healthcare data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected soon. However, Meridian’s filing with the Attorney General of Massachusetts provides some important information on what led up to the breach. Meridian also posted a website notice discussing the incident.

According to these sources, on August 11, 2023, Meridian detected unauthorized activity within its computer system. In response, Meridian secured its network, reset all passwords, and began working with a third-party forensic firm to assist with its investigation.

Ultimately, on December 4, 2023, Meridian’s investigation confirmed that an unauthorized actor had gained access to its network and accessed files containing confidential patient information.

After learning that sensitive patient data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which patients were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, medical diagnosis and treatment information, health insurance information, and prescription information.

On December 22, 2023, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare 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 Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Established in 1971, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. is a behavioral health provider headquartered in Trenton, Florida. Meridian offers crisis services, rehabilitation services, and outpatient services, as well as conducts outreach to vulnerable populations. Meridian operates approximately 30 locations throughout North Central Florida. Meridian conducts more than 600,000 direct care visits a year. Meridian Behavioral Healthcare employs more than 792 people and generates approximately $124 million in annual revenue.