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 October 23, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000081519, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
This is the second incident where a Bellevue Valor Clinic (CBOC) employee mailed the Patients Laboratory Correspondence letter with the laboratory results of Veteran A to Veteran B. Veteran B brought the lab results of Veteran A to the Bellevue Valor Clinic, so that clinic staff were aware of the mis-mailing of the Vitamin D serum lab results, and to ensure that Veteran A received a copy of the labs. Veteran B received the letter today. Update: 10/24/12:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter due to PHI being disclosed.
Outcome:
The staff member responsible for this incident has been counseled and has been advised to follow procedures already in place to avoid mismailing of protected health information. Valor senior management is apprised of the incident and will provide additional guidance regarding the safeguarding of PHI and following up on employee retraining.