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.
VA Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 8, 2011. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000068436, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Butler, PA
Issue:
Veteran A called the Information Security Officer and reported that he had received a copy of Veteran B's EKG in the mail. Update: 11/08/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and full SSN being disclosed.
Outcome:
After investigation by the PO, it appears the two Veterans had outpatient appointments on the same day in May. It is assumed that the one Veteran's information was given to the other Veteran on the day of appointment, which was May 19th. We are not sure if it was given by the physician as part of the education process or accidently picked up by the patient. The Chief of Staff reminded all staff on the importance of not releasing information to the incorrect person.