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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 2, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077449, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
Veteran A received Veteran B's laboratory results in the mail. Veteran A hand-carried the laboratory results back to the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) upon discovering that he was mailed the incorrect laboratory results. Veteran A only had laboratory results in his possession for 24 hours. The Privacy Officer (PO) has reviewed the laboratory results and no 7332 information is present for any of the test results. The laboratory results contained Veteran B's name, full SSN and protected health information (PHI). Update: 07/03/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Staff has been retrained on the proper procedures for verifying address and contact information prior to releasing or sending documentation to Veterans. One clerk will be responsible for the mailing of lab results rather than three clerks, in order to prevent confusion and mismailings.