MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Department of Corrections erroneously released the protected health information of over 1,700 people who are or previously were in its care, the agency said Friday.

The names, mental health diagnoses and diagnostic test scores of 1,723 people evaluated by the DOC's Bureau of Health Services during Chapter 980 Special Purpose Evaluations were released to a Kenosha-based state agency office on July 17. The DOC learned of the error on Sept. 16.

The DOC said it took action to ensure the agency permanently deleted the documents from its computers and files, however releasing the information in the first place breached the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Letters will be sent to those impacted by the breach, and the DOC said it will r

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