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 29, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000061775, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 04/26/11, Veteran A received a reminder by mail of an upcoming Compensation and Pension appointment. The Veteran was surprised to see a second appointment letter, which was intended for Veteran B included in the same envelope. The letter contained Veteran B's name, partial SSN and appointment information. Veteran A contacted the Privacy Officer by phone to report the incident. The Compensation and Pension Clinic Supervisor is being notified and Veteran B's appointment letter will be mailed to the correct address. A formal letter requesting that Veteran A return Veteran B's appointment letter to the Dorn VAMC was mailed on 04/27/11. The information disclosed: Full name, address, and the name of the Compensation and pension provider. When: The Veteran received the envelope by mail on 4/26/2011. Update: 04/29/11:Veteran B will receive a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Corrective Action: To prevent an incident such as this from recurring, staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.