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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 27, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000073400, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Spokane, WA
Issue:
Veteran A was mismailed Veteran B's PHI. Both Veterans have very similar names. Veteran A seeing that the mailed information was not his own, brought it into the VAMC and gave it to the Scheduling Clerk. Additionally Veteran A wanted to verify that his own address was entered into CPRS correctly. Update: 03/28/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full SSN being disclosed.
Outcome:
Employee found responsible was counseled by Supervisor. Safeguard processes were reviewed with employee. Proper identification procedures will be practiced going forward.