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 June 24, 2011. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000064116, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
On 06/24/11, the husband of Patient A phoned the outpatient pharmacy to report his wife had received medication for Patient B in error. Patient Bs medication was received in the same mail package mixed in with medication for Patient A. The husband states none of Patient Bs medication was taken by his wife, and that they will mail back Patient Bs medication in an addressed, postage paid envelope that we will provide. Patient B's name and type of medication was compromised. Update: 06/27/11:Patient B will receive a letter of notification.
Outcome:
The employee's supervisor stated, "After completing fact-finding with the employee involved, it was determined the standard operating procedures were not followed and the employee was counseled."