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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 11, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000075417, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Portland, OR
Issue:
A man identifying himself as Veteran A presented himself in the Emergency Department asking for treatment. The man received a wristband with Veteran A's full name, full SSN and DOB when he was triaged and placed in an exam room to wait for the VA provider to see him. The man signed the intake document using Veteran As name. When the VA provider arrived at the room he noticed the man was not Veteran A because he had been treated by the provider before. The provider removed the wristband and notified the other VA staff that he was not the Veteran indicated. VA Police were called and responded to investigate. The man's correct name has been determined and a record has been created for him to document the humanitarian care he received.The man was left alone with Veteran A's wristband information for a period of time, but it is now known if he recorded or memorized the information on it. When challenged by the provider for the SSN and date of birth, the man responded incorrectly. Update: 05/14/12:Since the VA printed out Veteran's A name and information on wrist band and put on the non-Veteran, Veteran A will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Our Emergency Department will be modifying their check-in procedures to prevent this from happening again.