UF Health announces it is working with patients after small data breach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UF Health reported that it underwent a data breach when an unauthorized employee accessed patient medical records outside the scope of their job.

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According to a press release sent out by UF Health, it became aware of the issue Aug. 9, 2022 and believe the employee in question accessed data inappropriately several times April 27, 2021 and July 21, 2022. UF Health Shands notified approximately 941 patients as a result of the incident.

An investigation into the incident determined that certain patient demographic information, such as name, date of birth, mailing address, phone number, medical record number, physician’s name and limited clinical information, such as diagnosis/conditions and visit dates, may have been accessed or viewed. In some instances, the insurance group and subscriber/policy numbers may have also been involved. This incident, however, did not involve Social Security numbers.

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Upon learning of this incident, UF Health Shands immediately began an investigation to assess the information impacted and terminated the employee’s access to all medical records and other information systems. This individual is no longer employed by the organization.

UF Health also said it engaged a data breach recovery expert and established all required and necessary communications to the affected patients and regulatory officials. All affected patients have been notified by mail about this incident. UF Health Shands said it has no reason to believe that the information was further used or disclosed; however, out of an abundance of caution, free identity theft protection services, including credit monitoring, are being provided to all patients whose insurance group and subscriber/policy numbers may have also been involved.

All affected patients have been notified by mail about this incident. If patients did not get a letter in the mail but would like to know if your information was affected, UF Health encourages them to call 1-833-903-3648 with voice response and live agents ready to assist Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.

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