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 Heartland Network (VISN 15)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 4, 2011. Also cited in 149 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000059140, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 15 Wichita, KS
Issue:
A schedule of Surgical procedures was discovered in stairwell outside Surgical area. The stairwell primarily used by employees. The paperwork contained the PII of 14 patients Update: 03/07/11:The Privacy Officer (PO) is unable to determine exactly how long the information was unsecured. The material was discovered the afternoon of 03/04/11, but the date it was printed is 03/02/11. Although the stairway is primarily used by VA employees, it is also accessible to everyone else. The PO interviewed the Surgical Services Supervisor and was told that the sheet of paper could belong to any number of residents. There were no specific identifying characteristics to pinpoint an owner. When discovered, it was folded up in quarters (as residents do to carry in their pockets).03/14/11:The full SSN was on the document. The14 patients will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
All employees in ADS trained on their responsibilities of protecting sensitive information. Notification letters sent out this date.