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.
Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 19, 2013. Also cited in 133 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000085901, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 19 Sheridan, WY
Issue:
A full set of medical records was mailed to Veteran A for Veteran B and vice versa. The outside of the envelopes and the contents on the envelopes were properly addressed in the Release of Information (ROI) office, but the mail clerk mistakenly put the UPS label for Veteran A on Veteran B's envelope and vice versa. Veteran A called the ROI supervisor to report the error and was instructed to bring the incorrect records back. He had opened the envelope and realized he had the wrong records. He returned the records for Veteran B and picked up the correct records from the ROI office. The ROI supervisor contacted Veteran B and informed him of the error and asked him to destroy or return the records he received in error. He did not open the envelope with Veteran A's records and returned it via UPS. Update: 02/20/13:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and full SSN being disclosed.
Outcome:
The mail clerk's supervisor was informed of the error and will be providing a statement to the privacy office indicating what action will be taken to prevent this from occurring again.