OHSU Contacting Patients Following Theft Of A Laptop Containing Limited Treatment Information

The computer was taken last weekend from the physician's car, which was parked at their home in Washington County.

Consistent with OHSU policies, the computer was password-protected in order to avoid misuse of the information contained on the device. OHSU does not believe the motive of the theft was to obtain information contained on the laptop. It was most likely a random event to steal and resell the computer.   

The information contained on the computer was limited to patient names, treatment dates, short medical treatment summaries and medical record numbers. Home addresses, billing information and Social Security numbers were not stored on the laptop. Therefore, it is believed that the patients are not at risk for identity theft or other related crimes. In fact, the amount of information on the laptop did not provide enough detail to require notification under the Oregon ID Theft Law. Nevertheless, OHSU has decided to inform affected patients.

OHSU strongly believes that the risk to patients is limited. OHSU has also shared information with the affected patients from the Federal Trade Commission on preventing misuse of personal information by others.

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Oregon Health & Science University is the state's only health and research university, and Oregon's only academic health center. OHSU is Portland's largest employer and the fourth largest in Oregon (excluding government). OHSU's size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support activities not found anywhere else in the state. It serves patients from every corner of the state, and is a conduit for learning for more than 3,400 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to every county in the state. For more information about OHSU, visit: www.ohsu.edu.

 

OHSU Communications
503 494-8231