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 June 20, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076906, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran #1 contacted a Dorn VA Patient Representative to inform her that he had not been notified of the results of his MRI report, but he received a reminder by mail of his upcoming Hematology appointment scheduled on 12/8/12. The Veteran was surprised to see that the Hematology appointment letter, which was intended for him was mailed to his home by another Veteran (with 2 postal stamps). In the letter, Veteran #2 asked Veteran #1 if he had received any appointment letters intended for him. The GI Clinic Supervisor has been notified and Veteran #2 appointment letter has been mailed to the correct address. The information disclosed: Veteran #1 Full name, last four numbers of the social security, address, name of the clinic and the providers name. The error was discovered on 5/29/2012. Update: 06/20/12:Veteran #1 will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Staff has been re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.