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 December 21, 2011. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000069878, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Walla Walla, WA
Issue:
The door to fax/copy room was left open. The door opens into a high traffic patient area. The lockable lid on confidential disposal bin was left open and the items were accessible to anyone passing in the hallway. Update: 12/22/11:The Privacy Officer (PO) met with executive staff to discuss findings. The nurse executive called the Director to let him know what took place.01/03/12:The PO spoke with the supervisor of area where the documents were found. The tallying process is still being done.01/05/12:A total of 72 records had varying components of personally identifiable information (PII) that included full name, address, phone number, full social security number and protected health information (PHI). Therefore 72 Veterans will receive a letter offering credit protection services.01/27/12:A further review of the documents indicates that the total number of Veterans affected is 81. Therefore 81 Veterans will receive a letter offering credit protection services
Outcome:
PO recommended to supervisor of this area that all staff receive a letter of counseling.