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 April 19, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000074389, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A's mother called the Dorn VA Medical Center Release of Information Office (ROI) to inform them that her son received a two page disability form by mail, which was intended for another Veteran. The two page disability form was completed by a physician and inadvertently mailed to Veteran A by a ROI Technician. Both Veterans have the same first and last name. The ROI Office reprocessed Veteran B's request, and a copy of the disability form was mailed to the correct address. A formal letter has been prepared for the Medical Center Directors signature, requesting that Veteran A return the original disability form to the Dorn VAMC. The information disclosed: Veteran B's full name, address, the providers name, and personal health information. Update: 04/20/12:One Veteran will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.