On November 30, 2023, Lovelace Health System and its parent company, Ardent Health Services, posted a website notice explaining a recent cyber security issue. In this notice, Lovelace Health explains that the incident stemmed from a large-scale ransomware attack against Ardent. Ardent and Lovelace Health continue to investigate the impact of the ransomware attack. However, if the companies determine that confidential patient information was compromised, the companies will be required to provide notice letters to all individuals whose information was affected.
If you receive a data breach notification from Lovelace Health System or Ardent Health Services, 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 a possible Lovelace Health System data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.
Was There a Breach Affecting Lovelace Health System Patients?
It’s too soon to tell if there was a Lovelace Health System data breach, as the ransomware attack was only recently announced. However, Ardent’s website provides some important information about the incident and the company’s response.
According to this source, on November 23, 2023, Ardent learned about a potential cybersecurity incident. In response, Ardent secured its systems and then began working with third-party data security specialists to investigate the incident and its impact on patient data.
The Ardent Health investigation is ongoing, and as of November 30, 2023, the company is still working to restore operations.
Thus, Ardent’s investigation has not yet concluded whether any patient data was leaked, although the company will likely conduct an intensive review of all potentially impacted data in the near future.
If Ardent Health Services concludes that patient information was compromised, it will be required to send 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 Lovelace Health System
Lovelace Health System is a healthcare system based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lovelace Health System is made up of Lovelace Medical Center, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, New Mexico Heart Institute, Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital, Lovelace Women's Hospital, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Lovelace Regional Hospital and Lovelace Medical Group/Southwest Medical Associates. Lovelace Health System employs more than 4,096 people and generates approximately $484 million in annual revenue.
Lovelace Health System is an affiliate of Ardent Health Services, a large system based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Ardent Health Services employs more than 23,000 people and generates approximately $2.3 billion in annual revenue.
