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 Heart of Texas Health Care Network (VISN 17)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 8, 2011. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000066588, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Temple, TX
Issue:
Veteran A reported to the Patient Advocate that she did not realize that a clinic clerk had provided her with the sensitive information of 2 (two) other Veterans until she arrived home from her clinic appointment. She volunteered and has returned the information to the facility via fax. The PO contacted the Veteran A and asked her to destroy any additional copies. She agreed. The Veteran voiced her concern about this disclosure and hoped that this failure would be corrected in the future. Update: 09/10/11:Two Veterans will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and full SSN being disclosed.
Outcome:
The PO could not identify the exact source of the disclosure at the clinic location. The PO met with the supervisor of the section and provided instruction on the importance of clerical staff reviewing information prior to disclosing to Veterans. It is also possible the this information could have been provided by the provider or nursing staff. Equifax credit monitoring letters have been forwarded to the two Veterans affected by this disclosure.