LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - The University of Kentucky has apologized
and urged more than 2,000 people to watch out for signs of identity
theft after a computer containing medical records was stolen from a
university office.

University officials said the laptop was stolen between June 18
and June 21. The loss was reported Sunday by the Lexington
Herald-Leader.

UK posted a notice on its website Thursday saying the stolen
information included patient names, dates of birth, diagnoses,
mothers' names and, in some cases, Social Security numbers of
mothers in the Newborn Screening Program. It did not, however,
include credit card or bank account information, the UK HealthCare
public notice said.

"The University of Kentucky deeply regrets this incident and
continues its commitment to safeguard the privacy of its
patients," the notice said. "UK HealthCare has policies and
procedures in place to protect patient information, and is
currently undertaking additional steps to reinforce those
measures."

When asked why the university issued a public notice about the
theft nearly two months after it happened, Mark Birdwhistell, chief
external affairs officer for UK HealthCare, said UK had to work
with the state Cabinet for Health and Family and Services and the
Inspector General's office and notify the affected patients.

"All appropriate safeguards were taken," he said.

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