MaineHealth says computer error sent mistaken death notices to over 500 patients

PORTLAND, Maine - MaineHealth says a computer error caused letters to be sent to more than 500 patients incorrectly stating they were dead.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the health system said that on Oct. 20, a malfunction in MaineHealth’s computer system for generating estate vendor letters resulted in 531 patients receiving letters that indicated they were deceased and included information for their next of kin about resolving their estates.

“MaineHealth sincerely regrets this error and has sent apology letters to all patients who have been affected,” the spokesperson said. “At no time were these patients listed as deceased in their medical records and the issue has been fully resolved.”