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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 22, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000059852, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On March 18, 2011, Veteran A received by mail a reminder of an upcoming Optometry appointment, and medical supplies. According to Veteran A, he requested an address change during an Optometry appointment, but the wrong Veterans (Veteran B) address was changed. Veteran A was surprised to see an Optometry appointment letter and medical supplies, which was intended for Veteran B coming to his home address. Veteran A contacted the Privacy Officer (PO) by phone to report the incident. Veteran A stated that he returned the appointment letter and medical supplies to the United States Post Office. He could not remember Veteran B's full name, but he will contact the PO and provide additional information on March 22, 2011. An unintentional disclosure letter is being mailed to Veteran A requesting that all documents and medical supplies be returned to the Dorn VA Medical Center. The information that was disclosed: Veteran B's last name, and appointment location and time. Update: 03/22/11:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.