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 Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 6, 2011. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063306, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Pittsburgh, PA
Issue:
The Research & Development department submitted an Unanticipated Problem to the Privacy Office involving two (2) study subjects.Study subject A was sent a letter that contained a check which contained study subject B's name and address.Study subject B received a letter that contained a check which contained study subject A's name and address. Study subject A called and reported the error to the study project coordinator who validated the error with the other study subject. Both study subject A and B returned the mismailed checks and the project coordinator then mailed the correct checks to both study subjects. Update: 06/06/11:Since the names of Subjects A and B were released inapropriately in documentation associated with a research study, both will be sent letters of notification.
Outcome:
The research staff has also implemented an improved quality assurance process that will help to minimize the likelihood of this type of error occurring in the future.