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 February 6, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071458, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 2/2/2012, Veteran A received a reminder by mail of an upcoming Neurology Clinic 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 Privacy Officer by phone to report the incident. The Neurology Clinic Supervisor is being notified and Veteran B's appointment letter will be mailed to the correct address. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's appointment letter to the Dorn VAMC is being mailed. The information disclosed: Full name, partial social security number, address, and the name of the Neurology Clinic provider. Update: 02/06/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
All Neurology orders and consults and resulting appointment letters will be printed in a central location in the Neurology clinic area. All appointment letters and correspondence under the supervision of the Neurology staff will be hand folded and placed into the envelope to ensure that only one letter is enclosed. Alternate methods of sending appointment letters being explored at this time.