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 Health Care Upstate New York (VISN 2)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 14, 2012. Also cited in 132 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076734, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 02 Albany, NY
Issue:
Veteran A received information of Veteran B by mistake. Veteran A called release of information supervisor to report the error of incorrect documents that he received in the mail. The supervisor told him that she would send him a pre-paid envelope to return the documents in the mail. The facility will not be sure what documents were released until the facility receives the documents back in the mail. Both Veterans have same last name and same last 4 of SSN. Veteran B's name, address, full SSN and medical information was disclosed. Update: 06/14/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and SSN being disclosed.
Outcome:
Credit monitoring letter mailed to Veteran. Staff involved re-educated on safeguards when releasing records