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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 19, 2012. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000080287, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Bedford, MA
Issue:
Veteran A called to report that he received Veteran B's appointment information which included Veteran B's name and diagnosis information. The Privacy Officer (PO) sent Veteran A a postage paid return envelope to return the information. Update: 09/19/12:Veteran B will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.09/17/12:Veteran A returned the document via mail to PO. The documents included Veteran B's full SSN, DOB and information about pre-test procedures for upcoming CT scan. The PO contacted VA Boston PO as the documents were mailed from the West Roxbury facility. The VA Boston PO contacted Radiology Service to make sure that Veteran B received the pre-test procedure information and to determine who the responsible employee was for the inappropriate disclosure. Veteran B will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
VA Boston Privacy Officer contacted Radiology Service to make sure Veteran received pre-test procedure information, determine who the responsible employee was for the inappropriate disclosure, and provide guidance about verifying document before they are sent out to ensure that it only includes information for the intended Veteran.