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 February 3, 2011. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000057845, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
Show Low CBOC notified the Privacy Officer of an apparent Privacy breach. United States Postal Service (USPS) delivered a large manila envelope late yesterday, 2-2-2011. Inside the envelope was VA inter-office envelope containing 12 Release of Authorization forms (VA form 10-5345) from September 2009. A handwritten note from USPS indicated this material was found in their office. Show Low Administrative Officer (AO) is unable to determine source of materials. They are being sent to PO via FedEx today. AO had also contacted Mail Room Supervisor. Appropriate notifications and investigation to ensue. Update: 03/02/11:Interoffice mail was inadvertantly placed in the USPS slot instead of into internal mail. These forms were placed in an inter-office envelope with no privacy envelope. It is unknown what has occured with the envelope during the two years.Twelve Veterans will recieve an offer for credit protection services.
Outcome:
Retrieval of documents. Staff education provided by Supervisor regarding Privacy elements of secure internal mailing for all staff - staff meeting. Credit monitoring letters sent to 12 Veterans. Authorization forms sent to ROI to log disclosures. Ticket closure requested.