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 Heart of Texas Health Care Network (VISN 17)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 14, 2012. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079160, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Temple, TX
Issue:
The Privacy Officer (PO) received a telephone call from Veteran A, who was reporting that he had received information pertaining to Veteran B in a letter forwarded to him from the Austin Outpatient Clinic (OPC). Included in this letter was an Administrative Note containing the medication refill information, home telephone number, full name, SSN and DOB of Veteran B. Veteran A voiced his concern about this error. Update: 08/15/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to name and full SSN being exposed.
Outcome:
The PO investigated this incident and identified the area where this error originated. The PO has provided education to the staff and reminded them of the importance of protecting VA sensitive information.