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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 26, 2013. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000088573, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Togus, ME
Issue:
On 04/26/13, a Call Center employee of the VA Maine Healthcare System had called the Privacy Officer (PO) regarding an incident in which Veteran A's results were mailed to the incorrect recipient. It was the recipient's caregiver who had discovered the error and who had contacted the Call Center employee. The PO called the recipient's home, identifying who he was and the reason for calling. The recipient's caregiver ensured the PO that the other Veteran's information was safe, and she then told the PO what was included in the mailing: her fiancs appointment letter and the second Veteran's x-ray results, full first name, full middle name, full last name and home address. The recipient's caregiver will return the second Veteran's information to the PO of the VA Maine Healthcare System. Update: 04/29/13:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter.05/16/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
Employee education has occurred.