The Postal Service is currently beta testing the online USPS Health Connect Portal, which purports to provide employees with the ability to establish a personal health records profile so the employee can securely collect, store, and manage his or her health records online.  The Service promotes the portal as a private and secure method to control and access records and distribution of data.  The USPS launched this voluntary online database of employee health records on October 1, 2015, after conducting several small pilot tests.  On October 23, 2015, the USPS indicated that beta testing will continue, noting that an official launch date has not been determined.

In anticipation of the launch, all members should consider that several recent cyberattacks have compromised sensitive and personal information belonging to many postal employees and retirees through websites and other electronic information available at the USPS and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  When it comes to internet security and fraud protection, it is better to be proactive and cautious.  Mail Handlers are encouraged to exercise great caution and diligence when considering the use of such services.