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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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on April 1, 2013. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000087441, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
Today, 04/01/13, the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Coordinator reports that a psychologist lost a folder containing documents for one Veteran on Thursday, 03/28/2013. The physician, who was making a first-time home visit then, placed Veteran documents on the hood of her car, in preparation for the visit. She drove away from the VA parking lot without retrieving documents, not realizing that they were gone until her arrival. The folder contained two CPRs cover pages containing Veteran and emergency contact information, including SSNs, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. Provider also had personal notes from medical encounters for Veteran encounter. HBPC coordinator searched the parking lot periodically after the loss, for approximately one hour. No report to VA Police. Additional inquiries of address methodology and home based visit tools to be explored. Additional notifications and investigation to ensue. Update: 04/02/13:The parking lot was searched but the documents were never recovered. One patient will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.06/05/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
Recovery of documents alleged. Duplication of documents provided to PO. Education and counseling provided to staff by supervisor - no hard copy PHI is permitted to be taken off campus by this provider or role. Credit monitor offer signed by Director and mailed to Veteran.