UAB says 1,655 patients’ health information shared in breach

Disclosure: State of Alabama-based writer. This article is a work from cited sources for informational purposes and is used with permission. No affiliate links are included.

By Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector

Originally published on July 26, 2024

(Alabama)- The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing said Friday ( July 26, 2024), that a postcard recruiting people to a study inadvertently shared protected health information for 1,655 patients.

The postcard, intended to encourage participation in a survey related to a breast cancer diagnosis, displayed the patient’s first and last name, address, and inferred their diagnosis. Investigators discovered the breach on May 29, though it is not clear when it took place.

Photo byJoshua SortinoonUnsplash

The affected patients, residing in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, received notification letters detailing the nature of the breach and the specific information at risk.

The letter included an apology and said UAB is committed to protecting patient privacy and outlined steps taken in response to the incident.

“UAB takes the protection of our patients’ and study participants’ privacy and information very seriously,” the letter stated, according to the press release. “Please know that appropriate actions have and will continue to be taken to prevent this type of incident from occurring in the future.”

UAB encouraged patients with questions to call a toll-free number, 1-833-706-6324.

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