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 February 16, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071890, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
A Clinic clerk gave Veteran A the appointment slip of Veteran B. Both had the same first name, and the clerk did not double-check the names prior to handing the appointment slip to Veteran A. Veteran A discovered that she had Veteran B's appointment slip, and immediately notified the Privacy Office of the error. Veteran A sent Veteran B's appointment slip to the Privacy Office via USPS. Update: 02/16/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter. His name and medical information were disclosed inappropriately.
Outcome:
PO has contacted clinic to remind staff to check appointment slips prior to distribution to patients to ensure that info is given to authorized recipients.