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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 11, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000070632, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A called to report a Privacy Incident. He received a reminder by mail of an upcoming Dermatology Surgery appointment. The Veteran was surprised to see a second appointment letter, which was intended for Veteran B included in the same envelope. Veteran A contacted the Privacy Officer by phone to report the incident. The Plastic Surgery Supervisor has been notified and Veteran B appointment letter has been mailed to the correct address. A formal letter was prepared for the Medical Center Directors signature requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's appointment letter to the Dorn VAMC. The information disclosed: Full name, full social security number, address, date of birth, and the name of the scheduled clinic. Update: 01/11/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
To prevent an incident such as this from recurring, staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.