CENTRAL FLORIDA — Channel 9 has learned two Florida Hospital employees were fired, accused of illegally accessing patient records.
Authorities said the two employees printed patient face sheets, also known as summary cover sheets to patients' medical records, which may have contained patients' names, addresses, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, emergency contact information, health insurance information and certain health information, such as physician names and diagnosis.
Investigators said they believe more than 9,000 patient records may have been accessed between January 2012 and May 2014.
The information was only recently released because giving notice to patients could have impeded law enforcement's investigation. Therefore, at law enforcement's instruction, Florida Hospital said it was under a "law enforcement delay" and unable to notify patients until Friday.
The hospital said in a statement, "The health, safety and privacy of our patients is of utmost importance at Florida Hospital."
Hospital officials said there was no evidence that the patients' personal information was misused, but as a precaution they're offering protection to patients from identity theft and other types of fraud.
Impacted patients have been notified via a letter with detailed instructions on how to sign up for the identity theft protection service.
After learning of the incident, Florida Hospital launched an internal investigation to review its practices.
"Every day, patients trust us with their health care and personal information, and thousands of Florida Hospital employees carry out their duties with compassion and integrity," said Florida Hospital spokeswoman Samantha Kearns-O'Lenick. "This incident should not be a reflection of the collective workforce at Florida Hospital, who work tirelessly to provide the highest quality of care and protect patients' rights."
The hospital said it also recommends that affected patients regularly review their explanation of benefits statement that they receive from their health insurer.
The names of the former employees have not been released.
If you believe you are affected but do not receive a letter by April 16 please call 877-309-9838 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WFTV
