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.
Veterans In Partnership (VISN 11)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 31, 2012. Also cited in 213 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079788, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 11 Fort Wayne, IN
Issue:
A test results notification letter was sent to a Veteran A. Within his envelope was Veteran B's test results notification letter. The information in the letter included Veteran B's full name, mailing address, and lab results. Veteran A is returning it to the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Update: 09/04/12:Veteran B will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.
Outcome:
The Supervisor indicates the test letter notifications are printed in the mailroom, then folded and inserted into an envelope by a machine. The department is looking at new equipment with capabilities to print bar codes on letter and envelope to minimize mismatches or insertion issues in the future. The Supervisor has an SOP for the staff and machines are monitored for malfunctions.