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 December 1, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000069225, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A's son called the Dorn VA Medical Center Release of Information Office (ROI) to inform them that his father received copies of medical reports by mail, which was intended for Veteran B. The reports were inadvertently mailed to Veteran A by the ROI Office. The ROI Office reprocessed Veteran B's request, and copies of the reports were mailed to the correct address. Both Veterans have the same name. A formal letter has been prepared for the Medical Center Directors signature, requesting that Veteran A return the medical reports to the Dorn VAMC. The information disclosed: Veteran B full names, full social security number, address, name of provider, and the personal health information. When: The error apparently occurred on 11/25/2011. Update: 12/02/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.