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.
VA Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 12, 2012. Also cited in 328 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000081127, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 09 Memphis, TN
Issue:
VA Patient A received mail from the VA Medical Center at his home address which contained Patient B's clinic reminder notification letter. The recipient mailed the notification letter to Patient B using the address on the letter. The letter contained full name of Patient B and his home address. Patient B, whose notification letter was mismailed, the incident was reported tot he Privacy Officer the afternoon of October 12. Update: 10/15/12:Patient B will be sent a notification letter due to protected health information (PHI) being disclosed.
Outcome:
The incident may have resulted from mail sorting machine at the facility Mail Room which needs to be calibrated. PO met with Assistant Chief of Business Office and Mail Room Supervisor to address the issue. The Supervisor agreed to schedule an appointment for a technician to come in to calibrate the mail sorting machine on 10/24/2012. PO will follow up with Mail Room Supervisor to ensure the machine is calibrated as required.Scanned copy of notification letter has been uploaded into PSETS and original copy has been mailed to the VA patient affected by this incident. This incident is considered closed as of 10/25/2012.