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.
Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 20, 2011. Also cited in 141 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000061343, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 21 Honolulu, HI
Issue:
Veteran A requested copies of his record. There were two printouts on a printer and the technician picked up both by mistake. They were mailed to Veteran A and he reported receiving Veteran B's information mixed in with his. He immediately called the technician and she asked him to mail back the copies that didn't pertain to his care. The technician self-reported the error and has received the copies back from Veteran A. Veteran B's letter contained his name, full SSN, date of birth and protected health information (PHI). Update: 04/21/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Technician was verbally counseled on scrutinizing all releases going outside the organization. She is a conscientious employee and accepted the mistake along with corrective action. She also self-reported the incident after it was discovered. Notification was made to the Veteran/patient today by certified mail.