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 Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on December 12, 2012. Also cited in 130 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000083594, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 12 Milwaukee, WI
Issue:
Another facility received a call from Veteran A that he received a letter that had his name and address on it, but the salutation was addressed to Veteran B and had Veteran B's last four of his SSN. It is not clear at this time whether the body of the letter contained information that was pertinent to Veteran A or to Veteran B, as it discussed low blood-sugar levels. Veteran A was advised to bring letter back to the VAMC so he could discuss the letter with his primary care provider. Update: 12/12/12:The information contained in the body of the letter belonged to Veteran A, the recipient of the letter. Thus, the only information disclosed to Veteran A was Veteran B's first and last name and the last 4 of Veteran B's SSN. Veteran B will receive a general notification letter.
Outcome:
Supervisor of employee was notified of event and is taking appropriate supervisory action.