Florida Hospital has fired two employees accused of copying 9,000 patients' medical records from 2012–2014.
Hospital executives said they could not inform the affected patients until Friday, because they had been under a "law enforcement delay," which would interfere or slow down the investigation by the FBI.
A hospital spokesperson said officials believe the incident took place from January 2012 through May 2014.
The patient information was copied from the eight Florida Hospital locations in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties:
- Florida Hospital Altamonte
- Florida Hospital Apopka
- Florida Hospital Celebration Health
- Florida Hospital East Orlando
- Florida Hospital for Children (Orlando)
- Florida Hospital Kissimmee
- Florida Hospital Orlando
- Winter Park Memorial Hospital
The two employees, who were not immediately identified, were accused of printing patient "face sheets," which may have contained names, Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts, health insurance information, and certain health information such as physician names and diagnoses.
Florida Hospital said it has no evidence that any patient's personal information was misused, but the hospital began notifying all affected patients Friday, offering identity theft and fraud protections.
The hospital has also established a dedicated call center to answer questions patients may have. For more information, visit floridahospital.com/privacy-disclosure.
Hospital executives said any patients who believe they were affected but do not receive a letter by April 16, should call (877) 309-9838. That call center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET.