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 April 19, 2011. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000061174, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Temple, TX
Issue:
The Patient Advocate reported that he had received an email message from Veteran A who reported that he received a parcel from the Temple VA Release of Information (ROI) office that contained the medical information Veteran B. Veteran A had requested copies of his own medical information and the additional information was included in his parcel. Veteran A emphasized his concern for Veteran B's information. The information included the full name, SSN, DOB and Echocardiograph results of Veteran B. Veteran A informed the Privacy Officer (PO) that he had contacted Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson's office to report this incident and to inquire about the VA's ability to protect Veterans' sensitive information. Update: 04/19/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
This process has been changed to where the ROI section is no longer is allowed to use UPS provided boxes that come pre-labeled. Staff has been educated on the importance of verifying that the correct information is packed for shipment.