Mail merge error affects 418 patients

Laura Pedulli | | Health Exec | Cybersecurity

A mail merge mix-up is the cause of the latest breach.

The error occurred when the University of Florida, which is partnering with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the Texas Wellness Incentives and Navigation Project for Medicaid patients, accidentally sent patient record inquiries to the wrong physicians.

The incident occurred in November 2013, but wasn’t reported to the university’s institutional review board until March 3, 2014. HHSC subsequently was notified on March 22, 2014. The Texas Office of the Inspector General determined that patient notification was required in August 2014.

Information disclosed included 418 patients’ names, Medicaid identification numbers and dates of birth, according to the university. “Because limited information was included in the requesting letter, we believe the risk for anyone misusing the information for unlawful purposes is extremely low,” according to a letter sent to patients.

University of Florida promised patients that any future letters requesting their health records would be sent only to their physician.

 

Laura Pedulli

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