Rehab releases patients' information in error

Good Futures faces complaints over data release

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – The fax machine started printing, and printing and printing. But Boca Raton resident Carol Minkin wasn't expecting a fax, or the many pages of personal medical information coming from a local drug recovery center.

There was prescription information, and there were even social security numbers. The documents were coming from the Good Futures treatment center. And none of the patients knew about the information breach.

Brianna, who asked to not be identified, was among the patients, whose information was sent to Minkin.  

"They could take my whole identity and do god knows what with my information," Brianna said.

Data privacy attorney Valerie Barnhart said there is a huge black market for private medical data.

"You really don't have an excuse for an inadvertent disclosure when you're dealing particularly with medical information," Barnhart said.

Good Futures staff member David Remland said he was going to investigate. And after several attempts to reach Remland, the center released a statement.

"A fax was sent to the residence in error whose phone number closely resembles that of the pharmacy we use to supply our patients with needed medications," the statement said.

The center claims the employee responsible will receive additional training on the privacy laws. But Brianna said she didn't use the facility's pharmacy and her information shouldn't have been sent there either.

"I’m even confused why they even sent that information out it was supposed to go to billing insurance, not a pharmacy," Brianna said.

Minkin filed a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorities will investigate and will decide if they will fine the facility for the error.