Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 18, 2011. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068824, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Portland, OR
Issue:
Veteran A received a lab results letter in the mail and Veteran B's two page lab results letter was folded with the first in the envelope. Veteran A called his VA clinic to report the error. Veteran A has destroyed the document via home shredder so he would not forget to mail it in or bring it to his next clinic appointment. The letter contained Veteran B's name, address, full SSN and lab results. Update: 11/21/11:Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
The VA clinic which made the mailing error is changing their process for printing and mailing the lag results letters to prevent confusion that could be causing this type of error. The employees have also been reminded of the need to take their time while handling this information to prevent errors.