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 April 16, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000074213, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
Veteran A had his information mis-mailed to another individual. The documentation included Veteran A's medical information and full SSN. Update: 04/19/12:Veteran A will be sent an offer for credit protection services.
Outcome:
The staff responsible for sending the lab results to the incorrect patient and address have been educated on the proper procedures for mailing documentation to our Veterans. The supervisors have provided assurance that all mailings will be reviewed twice prior to sending lab results. The Service Line will also develop stricter policies for mailing of documents to patients to ensure that all staff are following the "same" procedures. The documents that were mailed have been retrieved and the Privacy Office has provided the affected Veteran with the documentation that should have been sent to them originally,