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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 26, 2011. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068049, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 El Paso, TX
Issue:
Veteran A received an appointment letter which included his appointment information as well as the appointment information for Veteran B within the same envelope. The original appointment letters were provided to the facility Privacy Officer (PO) by Veteran A's wife. The information on Veteran B's appointment letter includes his full name, last 4 digits of SSN, and mailing address along with the Clinic appointment reminder and the name of the provider. Update: 10/27/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
11/14/2011 Update and request for closure per uploaded, redacted letter of notification/offer of credit monitoirng. Corrective action documented per responsible supervisor as follows: Upon investigation responsible supervisor was able to track the incident and the person who caused the incident. Employee states she did it accidently, probably in a hurry and pulled two letters rather than one. In the future she will make an effort to make sure she only has one appt. letter. She understands the gravity of the problem. Supervisor/Manager reviewed incident with all front desk staff 10/26/2011 and they have been made aware of the issue and will be more diligent at making sure they do not breach veterans privacy in this manner. Additionally a new appointment letter was sent the veteran who had not received his letter due to initial mis-mailing. Letter of notification/offer of credit monitoring drafted for Director's signature and provided to Veteran via UPS tracked mail- then uploaded to this ticket for final corrective action.