Life Management Center of Northwest Florida, Inc.

The Life Management Center of Northwest Florida, Inc. (LMC), based in Panama City, Florida, experienced a significant data security incident that was first identified on March 31, 2023. This breach potentially compromised personal and protected health information (PHI) of certain current and former patients and employees. The organization took immediate steps to secure its digital environment and engaged external cybersecurity experts to assist in the investigation and response to the incident. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized actor had accessed certain files and data within LMC’s systems. A comprehensive review to identify the individuals and information involved concluded on May 26, 2023, determining that personal and/or protected health information might have been involved. This information could include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical treatment and/or diagnosis information, and health insurance information, although not all data elements were affected for all individuals.

In response to the breach, LMC has offered complimentary identity protection services through Experian to all potentially affected individuals. These services include credit and dark web monitoring, a $1,000,000 identity theft insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed identity theft recovery services. LMC has also established a toll-free call center to answer questions and address concerns related to the incident. The organization has expressed deep regret over any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause and emphasizes that the privacy and protection of personal and protected health information is a top priority[1].

The breach at Life Management Center of Northwest Florida, Inc. is part of a larger trend of cybersecurity incidents affecting healthcare providers, highlighting the critical importance of robust digital security measures in protecting sensitive health information[12].

Citations:

1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/life-management-center-of-northwest-florida-inc-provides-notice-following-data-security-incident-301885539.html
2. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1606lifemanagementcmpt.pdf
3. https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CF/MeetingPacket/5361/9603_MeetingPacket_5361.pdf
4. https://lmccares.org
5. https://dojmt.gov/consumer/databreach/
6. https://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/community-partnerships/floridamapp/state-and-community-reports/bay-county/_documents/Bay_CHA4.pdf
7. https://www.mass.gov/doc/assigned-data-breach-number-30101-life-management-center-of-northwest-florida-inc/download
8. https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf
9. https://www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-violation-cases/
10. https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2023-healthcare-data-breach-report/
11. https://hcahealthcare.com/about/privacy-update.dot
12. https://www.hipaajournal.com/lockbit-ransomware-group-threatens-to-publish-stolen-cancer-patient-data/
13. https://trellis.law/doc/118697482/ep-initial-complaint
14. https://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/community-partnerships/floridamapp/state-and-community-reports/bay-county/_documents/Bay_CHIP5.pdf