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)
205 results found from all sources. Sorted by date.
October 13, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Togus, ME
Issue: Incorrect lab requisition form was mailed to incorrect Veteran. Update: 10/14/11:One Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.…
Outcome: The lab requisition was returned to Togus and given to the correct patient. Employee that mailed the lab requisition stated it was an error. She was counseled and her supervisor was notified.…
October 13, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Togus, ME
Issue: Discharge instructions for Patient A were given to the Patient B. The instructions contained Patient A's name, address, full SSN and diagnosis. Update: 10/14/11:Patient B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and full…
Outcome: PO stated incorrect discharge instructions were handed to the wrong patient. Employee was notified of their error and apologized. DC instructions were received from the Veteran that was given them and correct DC instructions were given to the correct patient.…
October 4, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 West Haven, CT
Issue: Patient A called the Patient Advocate to report that he received lab orders belonging to Patient B. The lab orders included Patient B's name, full SSN and medical information. Update: 10/11/11:Patient B will be sent a letter offering credit protection…
Outcome: The staff was provided educational training by their supervisor. The information has been returned in its entirety.
September 30, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Providence, RI
Issue: On 09/30/11 Quality Management reported that Veteran A had received the correct medication, however, the paperwork enclosed was for Veteran B. Veteran A stated that his paperwork did not accompany the prescription. The paperwork for Veteran B included his name,…
Outcome: The Outpatient Pharmacy manager tracked the medication and informed the Privacy Officer that a volunteer processed the prescription. The manager concurred that it was the correct medication but incorrect paperwork. PO and supervisor retrained the volunteer on correct processing procedures.…
September 22, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Boston, MA
Issue: A Veteran reported that he was handed a print out of the WX Thoracic 9311 on the day he was seen at clinic. 16 other Veteran's information was on the clinic schedule which included phone numbers and full social security…
Outcome: The PO will be meeting with the Nurse Supervisor of that area today to show her the documents and explain what was done by us for the patients involved. PO will also ask her to meet with the staff in…
September 2, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Providence, RI
Issue: Quality Management sent the Privacy Officer (PO) an incident report that was among other things needing to be scanned in to records. The report states that on 08/19/11 Veteran A, received an "Out of Stock" medical communication intended for Veteran…
Outcome: Sent notification letter to Veteran and educated Pharmacy Staff on importance of double checking to ensure correct address and Patient prior to shipping.
September 2, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Providence, RI
Issue: Quality Management sent the Privacy Officer (PO) an incident report that was among other things needing to be scanned in to records. The report states that on 08/19/11 Veteran A, received an "Out of Stock" medical communication intended for Veteran…
Outcome: Sent notification letter to Veteran and educated Pharmacy Staff on importance of double checking to ensure correct address and Patient prior to shipping.
August 31, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Boston, MA
Issue: The Medical Administration Service (MAS) Supervisor followed up with UPS regarding a missing two page medical report that was sent to a patient. The report contained the patient's name, address, full SSN, date of birth, and diagnosis. Update: 09/06/11:Even though…
Outcome: Even though no fault of the VA Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection service.
August 30, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 Bedford, MA
Issue: Clinical case manager for the Mission Direct Vet jail diversion project had her car broken into an a bag stolen. A piece of paper contained three names that were referred to her by attorneys and probation officers Update: 11/01/11:Three Veterans…
Outcome: Employee educated on securing information when off-site and will be provided locked bag for transporting documents.
August 29, 2011
Reported as: VISN 01 West Haven, CT
Issue: Veteran A reported that someone else received his medical records in the mail. The unknown receiver mailed them to Veteran A. The medical records include the name, full SSN and medical information. Update: 08/30/11:Veteran A will receive a letter offering…
Outcome: Employee that made error no longer is employed here.