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.
Veterans In Partnership (VISN 11)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 5, 2011. Also cited in 213 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068373, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 11 Indianapolis, IN
Issue:
A VA Social Worker's briefcase was stolen from a government vehicle. The Social Worker now believes it contained sensitive information (full name and full social security number) belonging to homeless Veterans. The number affected and names are being determined. Update: 11/09/11:The Social Worker is working to determine the names of Veterans affected, however it will be difficult to notify all of the Veterans since they are homeless.11/09/11:The list contained 142 living and 14 deceased Veterans' information, therefore 142 Veterans will receive a letter offering credit protection services and 14 Veteran's Next of Kin will receive a notification letter. Conspicuous notice will need to be posted due to the fact that these are homeless Veterans.11/21/11:The affected Veterans have been contacted by telephone. Letters and conspicuous notice will follow.12/13/11:All of the letters have been sent. This week posters will be placed in local homeless shelters and in the VA clinics that the homeless Veterans frequent. The posters are being made in house and will be posted for 90 days. The Privacy Officer has a written statement from the Social Worker and will turn the file over to Human Resources for their action.
Outcome:
Information has been turned over to HR for possible employee sanction.