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 March 3, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000059050, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 3/1/2011, Veteran A received an appointment reminder by mail. Included in the envelope were appointment reminders for four other Veterans. On the morning of 3/1/2011, Veteran A contacted the Privacy Officer by phone to report the incident. The clinic Supervisor was notified and appointment letters have been mailed to Veteran B, C, D and E. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return all additional appointment letters to the Dorn VAMC has been mailed on 3/1/2011. The information disclosed: Full name, last four digits of the social security number, address, and the name of the clinic. When: The Veteran received the envelope by mail on 3/1/2011. Update: 03/03/11:Veteran B, C, D, and E will receive a letter of notification since their medical information was exposed.
Outcome:
Corrective Action Plan: The number of letters from NEURO EMG is small enough for this to be done manually without use of the folding/envelope machine. this has already been instructed. Employee has be educated on the need to safeguard patient information.