St. Joseph Hospital recently agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a class action lawsuit, which alleges that the hospital released patient information to Microsoft. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – Rather than face the financial burden of continued litigation, St. Joseph Hospital recently agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by Theresa Fiorillo, Charlene Areche and Julie Hayden.

The lawsuit, which was filed on March 11, 2025, alleges that the hospital disclosed personal information of patients who used the MyChart portal since Jan. 1, 2023. On Oct. 22, 2025, it was agreed that 69,000 current and former patients would be entitled to $50 payments.

The Settlement Class is represented by Attorneys Katrina Carroll and Kyle Shamberg of Chicago.

According to the Settlement Agreement and Release, the hospital allowed Microsoft surveillance codes to operate within MyChart. When patients logged into their accounts, those interactions were reportedly intercepted by the surveillance software.

“The Plaintiffs allege that this tracking occurred without appropriate notice to visitors and without obtaining their informed consent,” said Carroll.

As a result, information such as laboratory results, prescription refills and appointments was no longer protected. The lawsuit alleges that private patient information was sent to Microsoft for corporate advertising and marketing.

The alleged offense also violates the state’s Wiretapping and Eavesdropping Statute which “prohibits the interception of private communications without consent.”

Although St. Joseph continues to deny any wrongdoing, Carroll said the hospital has agreed to make “significant changes” in terms of how its website is run. The hospital is also no longer using the Reach Code website tracking technology.

The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 14. This can be done online at stjosephpixelsettlement.com. Anyone who wishes to opt out or object to the settlement must do so by July 30.