HHS OCR report · 2017
University of South Florida, USF Health Care data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- University of South Florida, USF Health Care
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Florida
- Individuals affected
- 1,279
- Submission date
- Dec 11, 2017
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
University of South Florida Health, the covered entity (CE), reported that participants in a clinical trial coordinated by its TrialNet Coordination Center received the protected health information (PHI) of other participants. The breach affected 1,279 individuals. The misdirected PHI included patients’ names, names of patients’ family members, family medical histories, and mailing addresses. The CE provided breach notification to HHS and the affected individuals. Media notification was n...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the University of South Florida, USF Health Care data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 1,279 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Dec 11, 2017.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, with the breached information located in: Paper/Films.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from University of South Florida, USF Health Care legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or University of South Florida, USF Health Care.