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 Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 23, 2012. Also cited in 369 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079489, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 08 Orlando, FL
Issue:
Veteran A received Veteran B's "Request for Outpatient Services" form (VA 10-7079) in the mail. The envelope had Veteran A's address, but Veteran B's name as the addressee. Veteran A returned the envelope and a cover letter to the nearest Outpatient Clinic, who in turn notified the Privacy Officer (PO). The Request listed Veteran B's name, mailing address, last four SSN, and year of birth (not DOB). It appears a FEE Basis clerk who had been corresponding with both patients had somehow made the error in addressing the envelope for Veteran B, using Veteran A's mailing address. Update: 08/23/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter of notificaiton.
Outcome:
The FEE clerk has been advised to exercise more caution when addressing these envelopes, since he was already corresponding with both Veterans and that leads to errors.