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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on December 11, 2012. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000083542, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Big Spring, TX
Issue:
A cancellation of appointment letter was sent out to Veteran A about her mental health appointment and Veteran B's cancellation letter was also sent to Veteran A by mistake. Veteran A immediately called the VA and informed the VA of the mismailing and that she ripped up the letter with Veteran B's information. The Privacy Officer (PO) called Veteran B and informed him that someone else received his cancellation letter. Update: 12/12/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
A letter was sent to the Veteran notifying him of the mis mailing. The PO also called the Veteran and explained what has happened. Spoke with Chief of the service that mails out letters and they will educate their employees on being more aware of what goes out in letters.