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 April 23, 2013. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000088424, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Charleston, SC
Issue:
Progress note mailed regarding Pap Smear results to the wrong patient. The results stated patient had a sexually transmitted condition. Update: 04/23/13:One Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services, due to full name, full SSN being disclosed.06/10/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
Although the Nurse Manager has an opinion as to who committed the error, no one has admitted to the mistake, and there is no viable way of determining who placed the information in the wrong envelope and mailed it out. This will be discussed at future staff meetings with emphasis placed on paying attention and reviewing documents being sent out to the Veterans.