Sunday, November 16, 2025

Goof of the Week: MaineHealth computer error sent mistaken death notices to 531 patients

 Imagine receiving a letter from your health care provider that says you're dead. That's what happened when a computer error generated letters to some Maine residents. Today's blog is about a "Goof of the week (instead of an idiot)."


MaineHealth says computer error sent mistaken death notices to 531 patients

Nov 3, 2025, WMTW-TV, Portland, ME, Connor Clement

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.”

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I'm a simple guy who enjoys the simple things in life, especially our dogs. I volunteer for dog rescues, enjoy exercising, blogging, politics, helping friends and neighbors, participating in ghost investigations, coffee, weather, superheroes, comic books, mystery novels, traveling, 70s and 80s music, classic country music,writing books on ghosts and spirits, cooking simply and keeping in shape. You'll find tidbits of all of these things on this blog and more. EMAIL me at Rgutro@gmail.com - Rob

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