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 Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 10, 2012. Also cited in 369 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077644, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 08 Orlando, FL
Issue:
Veteran A reported in addition to his own test results, he also received Veteran B's test results in the same envelope. Veteran A returned the errant lab results to his Primary Care Team, who in turn notified the Privacy Officer. The facility believes this is from the same batch mail out from 04/02/12, and the Veteran delayed returning the letter until his next appointment. The facility believes the same causal factors contributed to this event as previously reported, namely "static cling" associated with the mailroom's Pitney-Bowes sorting machine. Information compromised consisted of patient's full name, mailing address, and test results. Update: 07/10/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter due to PHI being exposed.
Outcome:
The Pitney-Bowes contractor personnel verified all machine settings--no adjustments required. Humidity levels were within tolerances. Contractor advised mailroom personnel to flip/fan each stack of paper prior to processing as a means to dissipate any static buildup.