Incident Results in Increased Security Measures

Several laptop computers were stolen from the BJC Behavioral Health office in downtown St. Louis in early December 2009.

The laptops contained some personal information of a number of BJC Behavioral Health clients in the young adult program. The information may have included names, addresses, dates of birth, telephone numbers, diagnoses or assessments. The computers did not contain any secure information such as Social Security numbers or financial data.

BJC Behavioral Health and its employees respect and uphold the privacy of its clients and their families, and deeply regret that this information was breached. When an uncommon and unpredictable event like this occurs, BJC Behavioral Health seeks to  inform and reassure clients of ongoing efforts to safeguard privacy. This incident was reported to police and other appropriate authorities. 

BJC Behavioral Health has taken several steps to improve physical and electronic security at its facility to help reduce the likelihood of this type of incident recurring. These measures include a 24-hour security guard and installation of security cameras.  Additionally, BJC Behavioral Health is in the process of encrypting, or securing, the information contained on all laptop computers so that only authorized users are able to view information.

There is no reason to believe the stolen information is being used in an inappropriate way, but if clients or their families receive any unusual calls or communications that could be a result of this incident, please contact Jen Haasis, Performance Improvement Consultant and HIPAA Privacy Liaison, at 314.206.3776.