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 Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 16, 2012. Also cited in 369 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000074188, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 08 Orlando, FL
Issue:
Veteran A received Veteran B's test results along with his own. Veteran A returned the lab results to his Primary Care Team, who in turn notified the team leader who subsequently contacted the Privacy Officer (PO). Subsequent examination of the Lab Results notification letter confirmed that this incident is related to four previously-reported mis-mailings due to possible "static cling" associated with the mail room's Pitney-Bowes sorting machine. The information compromised consisted of the patients' full name, mailing address, and test results. We have cross-checked the test results in CPRS and confirmed from the envelope exterior that this is from the same batch job run on 040212. The PO will prepare a notification letter for Director's signature. Update: 04/16/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.NOTE: There were a total of 31 Mis-Mailed incidents this reporting period. Because of repetition, the other 30 are not included in this report, but are included in the "Mis-Mailed Incidents" count at the end of this report. In all incidents, Veterans will receive a notification letter and/or credit monitoring will be offered if appropriate.
Outcome:
The contractor advised Mailroom staff to fan/flip paper stack prior to inserting into sorting machine. This will discharge any static buildup in the paper. Humidity tolerances within mailroom noted to be within limits.