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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 Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 6, 2012. Also cited in 369 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000073797, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 08 Orlando, FL
Issue:
In addition to his own test results, Veteran A also received Veteran B's test results in the same envelope. Veteran A contacted telephone triage, who copied Veteran B's information and generated a Report of Contact. The nurse instructed the Veteran to shred and destroy Veteran B's letter. Subsequent contact with Veteran A confirmed he had shredded the letter. The letter contained the Veteran's last initial and last 4 SSN, name, and address. One type-written line stated "Liver ultrasound was fine." No other information was provided. We believe this originated from the mailroom's Pitney-Bowes machine which stuffed two letters together due to static cling. This is likely connected to SPE#73792, from the same batch job. The nurse manager is instructing all nurses to tell patients to return errant test results letters, since this can aide in determining the letter originator. Mailroom staff has been asked to notify Pitney-bowes to help correct the problem with static cling. Update: 04/06/12:Veteran B will receive a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Pitney-Bowes contractor notified. Service Chief alerted to problem. Contractor personnel verified all machine settings as correct--no adjustments required. Mailroom personnel advised by contractor personnel to flip/fan paper stacks prior to machine insertion. Humidity controls within tolerances.