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.
Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 15, 2013. Also cited in 141 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000087965, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 21 Palo Alto, CA
Issue:
A Veteran received nutrition handouts along with the notes of another patient. The notes included the patient's full name, full SSN, and date of birth. The recipient returned the notes to the clinic clerks. The clerk placed the notes into a confidential shred bin. Update: 04/16/13:Due to full SSN and medical information being exposed, Patient B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.05/08/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
A notification letter with credit monitoring was sent out to the Veteran. The employees were retrained on how to verify the contents of the handouts before they are released the Veterans.