A former Baptist Health employee has been arrested for allegedly stealing credit cards from patients at the hospital. Lauren Miller is facing multiple theft charges after at least five people reported their credit cards missing between October and December of 2023. According to court documents, one arrest warrant stated that Miller spent over $1,000 using the stolen cards, while another warrant claimed she spent less than $500.
One of the patients who had her credit card stolen was shocked to discover that her identity had been used without her knowledge or consent. The victim stated that she only brought her ID and insurance card with her when she was admitted to the hospital and did not leave any other valuables behind. She advised others to be cautious when handling sensitive information while at the hospital.
Baptist Health matched Miller’s schedule in the critical care unit to the times the credit cards were reported stolen. She was later seen at a business wearing scrubs and using the stolen cards. St. Matthews Chief of Police, Barry Wilkerson, emphasized the importance of keeping valuables safe while at the hospital, recommending that patients only bring their ID and insurance card with them. He advised against bringing any other valuables unless it’s an emergency situation. He acknowledged that it can be challenging to leave items behind, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
In response to the incident, Baptist Health stated that Miller is no longer employed by the facility and declined to provide further information due to federal privacy laws. They emphasized that they take security seriously and have implemented measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The incident highlights how important it is for patients to take precautions when handling sensitive information while at the hospital. It also serves as a reminder that hospitals are not immune from crime and theft, so it’s crucial for patients to be vigilant and protect themselves from potential threats.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.