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 February 8, 2013. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000085611, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A received an appointment letter reminding him of an upcoming Gastroenterology Clinic appointment. The Veteran was surprised to see that four additional pages were inadvertently included in his envelope. The additional four page document was information, which was intended for another Veteran. Veteran A daughter contacted a Dorn VA Patient Services Assistant by phone to report the incident. The Gastroenterology service line chief is being notified, and Veteran B's appointment letter is being mailed to the correct address. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's appointment letter to the Dorn VAMC is being mailed. The Privacy Officer will continue to investigate this incident. The information disclosed: Full name, partial social security number, personal health information, address, and the name of the provider. Update: 02/11/13:Due to full SSN and medical information being exposed, Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.