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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on December 6, 2011. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000069354, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Little Rock, AR
Issue:
Veteran A was in the facility on 10/17/11 and he apparently received an appointment letter for Veteran B. Veteran A and Veteran B share the same last name and last four digits of their SSN. Veteran A received Veteran B's name, address and full SSN, as well as upcoming appointment information. Update: 12/06/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.NOTE: There were a total of 85 Mis-Handling incidents this reporting period. Because of repetition, the other 84 are not included in this report, but are included in the "Mis-Handling Incidents" count at the end of this report. In all incidents, Veterans will receive a notification letter and/or credit monitoring will be offered if appropriate.
Outcome:
Staff are unable to tell exactly who made the error. Clerks from 2 different areas were involved with the patient's care on that day. The Privacy Officer has talked with both services and asked that all be current on privacy training as well as have additional reminders regarding the importance of checking information before providing it to individuals.