On August 6, 2024, Pocahontas Medical Clinic, PA (PMC) revealed a significant data breach affecting a large number of its patients. The breach, which occurred in May 2024, compromised sensitive personal and medical information, prompting an immediate response from the clinic. PMC has since notified affected individuals and is working to address the aftermath of the cyberattack.
Details of the Data Breach
Pocahontas Medical Clinic reported the data breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights on August 6, 2024, after discovering that an unauthorized party had accessed its computer network. This cyberattack, which took place on May 30, 2024, exposed a wide range of sensitive information, including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, medical record numbers, medical information, and health insurance details.
Upon realizing the breach, PMC immediately disconnected its network and initiated a thorough investigation with the assistance of third-party data security experts. The investigation concluded on July 1, 2024, confirming that unauthorized individuals had gained access to personal data stored within the clinic’s network. Following this discovery, PMC began sending out data breach notification letters on August 1, 2024, to all those affected, detailing the specific information compromised in the attack.
Response and Legal Options for Affected Individuals
With the breach now public, affected patients are urged to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from fraud or illegal Experts recommend that individuals impacted by the breach seek advice from a data breach lawyer to explore their legal options and learn how to safeguard their personal information moving forward.
PMC has expressed its commitment to supporting those affected by the breach and is providing resources to help them mitigate the risks associated with the exposed data. For further details and legal guidance, individuals are encouraged to consult recent articles and resources on the topic.
Background on Pocahontas Medical Clinic
Founded in 1979, Pocahontas Medical Clinic, PA, is a well-established healthcare provider in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The clinic offers a wide range of medical services, including prenatal care, vaccinations, wound care, newborn care, flu shots, lab work, and bone density testing. PMC operates three locations—two in Pocahontas and one in Corning, Arkansas—and employs over 42 staff members, generating approximately $5 million in annual revenue.
As PMC navigates the aftermath of this data breach, the clinic’s focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of its patients’ information while continuing to provide essential healthcare services to the community.
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