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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 15, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072907, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A presented to the Outpatient Pharmacy window to pick up his medication. He received all of his medication and instructions, but was also inadvertently given an Antibiotic prescription, which was intended for Veteran B. The Pharmacist discovered the error when Veteran B presented to the Outpatient Pharmacy window to pick up his medication. She immediately contacted Veteran A by phone to inform him of the incident. The Pharmacist asked the Veteran if he had taken any of the medication, he stated that he had taken one pill, and so far had not had any reactions. After verifying that Veteran A was allergic to Penicillin, he was told to stop taking the medication. Veteran B was given the correct medication on 3/15/2012. The Privacy Officer was notified of the incident on 3/15/2012. The information disclosed: Veterans full name, address, name of provider, name of the prescription and instructions. Update: 03/16/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information and the importance of being vigilant when dispensing medication.