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.
Veterans In Partnership (VISN 11)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 26, 2011. Also cited in 213 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065095, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 11 Battle Creek, MI
Issue:
Complaint was recieved by VA employee claiming inappropriate access to the Veteran Medical Record. Complaint also cites an incomplete and not properly explained release of information authorization (10-5345). Update: 09/22/12:An Employee Health Physician (EHP) has been counseled by his supervisor regarding accessing Veteran Treatment Records and official employee health duties. EHP has been educated by the Privacy Officer on the proper way to complete a release and when and what they should be accessing. The complainant reported this to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).The complainant will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.
Outcome:
Inappropriate access to Veteran Treatment records by Employee Physician along with poor Privacy Policies and ineffective communication were significant factors leading up to the complaint. Employee Physician has been counseled on the proper procedures on accessing Veteran treatment records and how to properly complete a release authorization. Disciplinary Action/Reprimand has been recommended by the Privacy Officer. Privacy Officer report also recommends the separation of Employee Medical Files and Veteran Medical files, as limited control is given to the Veteran records as compared to employee files.