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 July 27, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000078472, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Boise, ID
Issue:
Veteran A received 2 medications intended fo Veteran B. Veteran A had an appointment with home based primary care and at that time reported having received the medication of Veteran B. They both reside in the same apartment complex and the postal service placed the correctly addressed package into the incorrect mail box. Veteran A disposed of the medication before reporting it to us, and thus could not be recovered. The Outpatient Pharmacy supervisor was contacted and a new set of medications was sent to Veteran B. Update: 07/29/12:Veteran B will receive a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Sent a HIPAA letter notifying veteran of Postal service error. Will attempt to alert local post office of the mistake and counsel the postal manager to be aware of the possibility of future issues.