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 Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 26, 2011. Also cited in 328 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065077, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 09 Memphis, TN
Issue:
Veteran A's wife stated two years ago she received an application for benefits from Memphis VAMC. The form contained someone else's name and SSN and the name and SSN of the person's spouse. The complainant called the Medical Center regarding a bill she received for $50 for date of service September 2008. She indicated this is a wrong bill since she and her husband have not been seen at the Memphis VAMC since 2009. Complainant and her husband are currently residing in Ohio. Update: 09/19/11:Veteran B's spouse will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.09/20/11:Per the Privacy Officer (PO) Veteran and his spouse authorized their son to speak on their behalf. The son said that he would not return the documents until they resolved the bill. The Billing Department reviewed it and said the bill was legitimate since the care was received outside of the VA. The PO explained it to the son who uindestood however the son said that he still will not returnt the documents because the VA messed up and he may take it to the media. The PO can identify Veteran B's spouse so she will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Credit monitoring letter has been mailed and redacted copy has been uploaded. PO met and discussed this incident with Mail Room Supervisor to monitor the mailing process to identify the problem. The Supervisor explained that the mailing flow is an automated process and that it is hard to tell exactly what may have caused this error. He agreed to look closely to identify any possible problem with the process so that it can be addressed.