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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on December 11, 2012. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000083521, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Bedford, MA
Issue:
A VA Clothing Room Employee accidentally gave Veteran A's inventory items to Veteran B. Items included clothing items as well as Veteran A's wallet.The wallet had license, credit cards, Social Security card. Veteran B has not returned the items and cannot be located. Veteran A whose items were accidentally given to Veteran B was notified immediately and credit cards were cancelled. Update: 12/11/12:Veteran A will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to his full name and SSN being exposed.01/03/13:Per PO, two Veterans will need letters offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
the following changes have been made to prevent a recurrence:1.Only authorized staff will be allowed in the Clothing Room 2.The anteroom to the Clothing Room entrance will be made into a waiting area for Veterans who want to pick up their belongings.3.Signage in the waiting area will read : Clothing Room -- Authorized Personnel Only, and another sign - Please wait here for Clothing Room Staff. Only 1 Veteran in Clothing Room at a time and Veteran must be escorted by Clothing Room employee.When returning clothing to a Veteran, only one veteran will be allowed in the Clothing room at a time and must be escorted by authorized Clothing Room staff.4.5.A written process was developed for verifying identity before clothing is returned