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 February 14, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071778, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Portland, OR
Issue:
Veteran A called the Portland VA to notify VA that he had been mailed a letter for Veteran B. Veteran A's address had been recorded in Veteran B's record and the letter was correctly addressed to this incorrect address. The letter showed the full name of the Veteran and states his Urologist had scheduled a Pre-Op appointment on 3/6/12 for a surgery on 4/4/12. Veteran A also received a phone call from the facility asking for Veteran B. The letter was shredded by Veteran A. Update: 02/14/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter due to PHI being exposed.
Outcome:
The office where the incorrect address was entered into the affected Veteran's record is aware of how the error occurred and are educating their staff to limit the use of multiple computer windows on the computer screens in their office.