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 June 8, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063426, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 6/7/11, Veteran A received 278 pages of Veteran B's medical records. Both Veterans have the same first, last, and middle name. Veteran A contacted the Chief of Health Information Management Service (HIMS) and informed them of the incident. The Privacy Officer (PO) was notified. Veteran B's request for his medical records is being processed and will be mailed to the correct address. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's medical records to the Dorn VAMC is being prepared. The information that was disclosed includes full name, full social security number, address, and the providers' names. Update: 06/08/11:Because the full SSN was exposed, Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Chief of ROI has re-educated staff on the need to safeguard patient information.