HHS OCR report ยท 2019
VA St. Louis Health Care System data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- VA St. Louis Health Care System
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Missouri
- Individuals affected
- 595
- Submission date
- Nov 21, 2019
- Type of breach
- Unauthorized Access/Disclosure
- Location of breached information
- Paper/Films
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), the VA St. Louis Health Care System, reported that an employee mistakenly mailed letters that contained the protected health information (PHI) of 595 individuals, to the wrong recipients. The PHI involved included names, addresses, and treatment information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, and the media. In its mitigation efforts, the CE re-trained the responsible employee and implemented new mail procedures to better protect its PHI.
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Other reports by VA St. Louis Health Care System
| Covered entity | State | Entity type | Individuals | Submitted | Type of breach | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA St. Louis Health Care System | MO | Healthcare Provider | 724 | Mar 1, 2017 | Unauthorized Access/Disclosure | Archive (closed) |
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the VA St. Louis Health Care System data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 595 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Nov 21, 2019.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Unauthorized Access/Disclosure, with the breached information located in: Paper/Films.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from VA St. Louis Health Care System legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or VA St. Louis Health Care System.