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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 15, 2011. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000058375, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 El Paso, TX
Issue:
Full Social Security number on document mailed to Veteran A was showing through envelope window. Document mailed to Veteran A's home address via US Postal Service. Veteran A brought envelope and enclosed document to a Supervisor at the VA due to concerns about full Social Security number printed and showing on mailing/address showing through envelope window. Supervisor immediately reported to Privacy Officer for action. Update: 02/15/11:The Veteran will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
02/28/2011 Update: letter of credit monitoirng notification provided to Veteran. Note that corrective action/mitigation taken by responsible supervisor to address inappropriate mailing with actions to include: review of all processes leading to the incorrect mailing, stopped this type of mailing by our Coordinated CAre Staff; implemented the use of envelopes without a window; and Coordinated Care Staff have been re-trained not to use envelopes with windows for mail-out of authorizations to our patients receiving fee-based community care correspondence. regular envelopes will be handwritten or have typed outside addressess at all times. Recommend ticket for closure. Submitted: Jill Winstead, RHIA Privacy Officer EPVAHCS