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 September 15, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000066781, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Veteran A contacted the Outpatient Patient Pharmacy on 09/14/11 to advise that he had received medication instructions for Veteran B. Veteran A received instructions for Veteran B when he picked up his outpatient medications on 09/13/11. Veteran A received his correct medication.Along with the name of the medication, the instruction sheet included Veteran B's full name and address, indications for the medication, the physicians name and refill information. Veteran A advised outpatient pharmacist that he will shred the document.The Alternate Privacy Officer attempted to contact Veteran A in the morning of 09/15/11 to determine the status of the document but was unsuccessful. (Veteran A does not have voicemail). Update: 09/15/11:Veteran B will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Employees are being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information, and the importance of being vigilant when disbursing medication and instructions.