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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 3, 2011. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065414, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
On 08/03/11, the Privacy Officer (PO) was notified that a family member was sent and received the personal office items of a deceased employee. The family member contacted Puget Sound and was directed to return the documents which she immediately did. The PO reviewed the documents that included DD214s, medical notes, and eligibility information and identified 35 Veterans. Many of the documents contained the Veterans name, SSN, DOB, address, with others noting medical information. Update: 08/04/11:All Veterans with SSN or date of birth disclosed will be offered credit protection services. All Veterans with protected health information (PHI) disclosed other than full SSN or date of birth will be sent letters of notification.
Outcome:
Informed Service Line to double check items prior to mailing. Credit monitoring letters have been sent.