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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on December 2, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000069284, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A called the Dorn VA Medical Center Mental Health Service to inform her provider that her "Care Partner" (cousin), received copies of medical records by mail, which were intended for the Veteran. The medical records were inadvertently mailed by the Release of Information (ROI) Office. The error occurred when the Veterans Mental Health provider filed out a VA Form 10-5345 to designate a Care Partner whom the Dorn VA Medical Center could contact if the Veteran appears to be in a crisis for safety planning purposes. The wrong block was checked off and as a result, the ROI Office mailed the Veterans Care Partner (cousin) copies of the medical records. A formal letter has been prepared for the Medical Center Directors signature, requesting that the Veterans Care Partner return the medical reports to the Dorn VA Medical Center. The Privacy Officer will continue to investigate the incident. The information that was disclosed included Veteran A's full name, full social security number, address, name of provider, and the personal health information. The error apparently occurred on 11/25/2011. Update: 12/05/11:Veteran A will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.