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 Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 2, 2012. Also cited in 130 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000078696, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 12 Tomah, WI
Issue:
A non-VA employee called the LaCrosse Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) stating she had a Veteran's health information and she brought the bag into the LaCrosse CBOC. It is believed the information had been in the bag at the apartment of the former VA nurse, until she moved and it was discovered by the new tenant. The CBOC then sent the information to the Tomah Privacy Officer. Update: 08/02/12:The bag contained one a progress note, report of contact and resuscitation note on one deceased Veteran. The Veteran Next of Kin will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Medical records have been recoverd by Tomah VA Privacy Officer. The PII was received back at the facility and destroyed. The individual who took the medical records off site hasn't worked here since 2008. I have educated staff on the policy that no PII leaves the facility.