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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 24, 2013. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000088469, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Shreveport, LA
Issue:
An unidentified patient called into the clinic and stated that he received two other Veterans' appointment letters along with his. He identified the two other Veterans. PM&R clinic noted that the two Veterans had same appointment dates for Occupational Therapy. The letters received were 14 day appointment letters. The letters contained the Veterans' names, addressed, appointment clinic, date and time, as well as the last 4 SSN. Update: 04/24/13:The two Veterans will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.06/05/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
Appointment letters are completed by a machine in the mailroom. The mailroom has been notified and will be monitoring more closely to ensure that the machine is working properly.