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 August 14, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079168, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Walla Walla, WA
Issue:
A VA provider wrote a letter to Veteran A. This was sent to Veteran B. Veteran B brought in the letter for Veteran A to the Veteran's Service Office. The Veteran's Service Office in turn forwarded this to the Privacy Officer (PO). The letter contained Veteran A's name, address, and diagnosis. Update: 08/15/12:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter due to PHI being exposed.
Outcome:
Have met with staff & discussed the importance of ensuring patient confidentiality when mailing the letters to the veterans.