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.
Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 7, 2012. Also cited in 141 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000075186, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 21 Fresno, CA
Issue:
Patient A received a letter in the mail. The letter was mailed on 4/27/2012. The letter had patient A's name and mailing address showing through the window on the envelope. Patient A read the letter which contained an appointment notification for Primary Care and Labs. Patient A then noticed that the appointment letter itself had Patient B's name and address on it. Only the cover page had patient A's information. Patient A brought the letter to the VA and turned it over to the Information Security Officer. Only the name and mailing address of Patient B and the appointment information was compromised. No diagnosis information or other health information was included. Update: 05/07/12:Patient B will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.
Outcome:
Supervisor to in-service staff regarding precautions when mailing patient information.