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RMCH data breach lawsuit nears settlement

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A settlement in a class action lawsuit against Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services over a 2021 data breach is headed for approval in May.

Luckily, hospital board chairman Bill Lee said insurance should cover most of the settlement costs, including individual payments of up to $4,000 each.

The lawsuit stems from a data breach in February 2021, when hackers penetrated RMCH’s computer system and stole over 191,000 people’s private data. That included such sensitive items as Social Security, driver’s license and tribal identification numbers, and medical, employment and financial information.

RMCHCS notified affected patients with a letter May 19, 2021. Those people are eligible members of the class in Charlie v. RMCHCS, and must file their claims with Kroll Settlement Administration by May 9.

U.S. District Court Judge Steven C. Yarbrough approved the proposed settlement in January and will hold a hearing in Albuquerque at 10 am May 24 to finalize it.

Participating class members will be eligible to receive up to $500 for documented out-of-pocket expenses, which may include $15 per hour for up to four hours of time spent dealing with the breach.

Those who were victims of documented identity theft may claim reimbursement for extraordinary documented losses up to $3,500. They will also have the opportunity to enroll in two years of credit monitoring services.

RMCHCS has also agreed to update business practices and enhance security.

To file a claim, see www.rehobothdatasettlement.com or call Kroll Settlement Administration (833) 709-0092 by May 9.