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 Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 4, 2012. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000073646, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Butler, PA
Issue:
Patient A's appointment letter was mailed to Patient B. Patient B called into VA to inform staff of the incident. The Privacy Officer (PO) is making arrangements to pick up the information from Patient B. The information compromised included Patient A's full name, last four digits of the social security number, and patient address. VA staff said they blacked out last four digits of the SSN before sending the information out. The PO did not see the form prior to it being sent out, so he does not know if the last four may be read or not, even though it was blacked out. Update: 04/04/12:Due to medical information being disclosed Patient A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Will work with department leaders to have them to be more aware of mailing information out to Veterans and the consequences of mailing incorrect information to the wrong Veteran. The method of training will be up to the department leaders.