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 15, 2012. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079213, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Temple, TX
Issue:
While providing appointment assistance to Veteran A, the Medical Support Assistant (MSA) noticed that the Veteran was in possession of a complete clinic appointment list. The list contained the full name, SSN, telephone number and service connection percentage of Veteran A, B, C, D, and E. Veteran A stated that the list was provided to his wife by a clinic clerk. The MSA immediately retrieved the appointment list and provided Veteran A with the correct personal appointment list, and contacted the Privacy Officer (PO). Update: 08/15/12:Due to full SSN being exposed, four (4) Veterans will be sent letters offering credit protection services.
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.