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 July 10, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077650, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Portland, OR
Issue:
On July 6, 2012 a VA Employee Veteran who is treated at our facility received a letter from the Portland VA Eye clinic that was postmarked July 2, 2012. The street address was hand-written on the envelope and the house number was incorrect so the letter was returned to the post office. The post office was able to identify the error and deliver the letter. The adhesive on the envelope flap had failed, so the envelope appeared open. The Veteran is concerned that their information was seen.The clinic letter included the Veterans full name, full social security number, full date of birth, her eyeglass prescription, and mention of a missed appointment in the clinic. The home address on the envelope was incorrect by one digit. Update: 07/10/12:The Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and SSN being exposed.
Outcome:
The Privacy Officer has spoken to the employee who handled the letter when it was sent so they are aware of the error and can avoid similar mistakes in the future.