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 March 16, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000059665, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 03/11/11, Veteran A received a reminder by mail of an upcoming Health Benefit Seminar appointment. The Veteran was surprised to see a second appointment letter, which was intended for another Veteran included in the same envelope. Veteran A contacted the Patient Representative by phone to report the incident. The Health Benefit Seminar Supervisor has been notified and Veteran B's appointment letter has been mailed to the correct address. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's appointment letter to the Dorn VAMC was mailed on 03/15/11. The information disclosed: Full name, last four digits of the social security number, address, and the name of the seminar. When: The Veteran received the envelope by mail on 3/11/2011. Update: 03/16/11:Veteran B will receive a notification letter.
Outcome:
Employees are being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.