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.

South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)

VISN 16 Houston, TX

Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 14, 2012. Also cited in 317 other reports.


Report ID: SPE000000079147, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Reported Entity: VISN 16 Houston, TX

Issue:

Veteran A called the outpatient pharmacy department to report he had not received his prescription. When the pharmacist checked he saw that the prescription had been mailed to an incorrect address. A pharmacist input an incorrect address. It was not a previous address of the Veteran. The prescription has never been returned to the pharmacy. The prescription mailing package including contents did not contain any part of the Veteran's SSN or date of birth. It contained the patient's full name and name of prescription and prescription instructions. Update: 08/14/12:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter due to PHI being exposed.

Outcome:

The importance of verifying correct information is entered into UPS mail system reinforced with pharmacist. Pharmacist said he would be more careful in the future.

Do you believe your privacy has been violated? Here’s what you can do: