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 March 27, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000073371, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Portland, OR
Issue:
A letter notifying Veteran A that his VA provider had scheduled a clinic appointment for him was mis-mailed to Veteran B who has the same last name. Veteran B brought the letter to the local Patient Advocate's office to report the error. It was then delivered to the facility Privacy Officer. Veteran A's full name and mailing address were displayed as well as the date, time, and title of the clinic appointment that had been scheduled. Update: 03/27/12:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter due to full name and Protected Health Information (PHI) being disclosed.
Outcome:
A notification letter has been sent and the employee responsible has been counseled on the need to protect sensitive information.