VA Mid South Healthcare Network (VISN 9)

Issue: Two Veterans appointment letters containing another Veteran's full name, mailing address and date, time and location of the upcoming appointment were mailed in the same envelope. Update: 04/15/13:The Veteran whose appointment information was disclosed inappropriately will be sent a HIPAA…

Outcome: Business office staff were reminded to insure and inspect that only one Veteran's information goes in one envelope.

Issue: Veteran A received Veteran B's medication in the mail. The PHI included full Name, Medication type, and full address. The information was outside of VA control for more than 72 hours. Veteran A destroyed the medication and the PHI. Update:…

Outcome: Re-educated staff on proper handling of pHI.

Issue: Patient A was given Patient B's appointment list after a clinic visit on 04/01/13. Patient A did not notice until today that the list did not belong to him. He is to return the document to the Privacy Officer. Update:…

Outcome: Staff reminded to be more cautious when handling documents with PII.

Issue: Veteran A had requested a copy of his medical records from the Release of Information Office. When he received his records in the mail, he then noticed that he also received medical records of two (2) other Veterans.Veteran A reported…

Outcome: Mismailed records were returned and then mailed to the appropriate Veteran. CM letters to both Veterans have been mailed. Employee involved has been counseled and educated on the importance of performing quality checks prior to mailing.Request this ticket be changed…

Issue: Veteran A received Veteran B's appointment letter in the mail. Information disclosed included full name, last four digits of SSN, and home address. It affected one patient and was outside of VA control more than 72 hours. Update: 04/09/13:Veteran B…

Outcome: Re-educated staff on proper handling of PHI.

Issue: A Veteran called and reported he received an envelope addressed to him from this VA facility. Upon the Veteran looking at the envelope, the Veteran noticed that in addition to his name and address, he could also clearly see his…

Outcome: PO was unable to determine where letter was mailed, so general education will be provided to remind staff to check window envelopes prior to mailing.CM letter has been prepared and is being mailed on 5/13/13.Request this ticket me closed.

Issue: Patient A received a medication through the mail that should have gone to Patient B. He reported it and has been asked to return the medication and packaging. Update: 04/05/13:Patient B will be sent a notification letter.…

Outcome: Staff reminded to be more cautious when handling documents with PII

Issue: Veteran A received Veteran B's application for benefits. The information included the Veteran and his spouse's full SSN, DOB, full address, and phone information. This involved two (2) people. It was outside of the VA control for greater than 72…

Outcome: Re-educated staff on proper handling of PHI

Issue: A progress note belonging to one patient and an appointment letter belonging to another patient were given to a third patient yesterday. This patient returned the documents today. Update: 04/02/13:One Patient will be sent a letter offering credit protection services…

Outcome: Staff reminded to be more cautious when handling documents with PII.

Issue: Patient A received Patient B's appointment letter. The information contained on the letter was Full Name, Address and last four of SSN. Patient A destroyed the letter and it was unable to be recovered. This was outside of VA Control…

Outcome: Staff re-educated about proper handling of PHI.