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 July 31, 2012. Also cited in 130 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000078559, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 12 Milwaukee, WI
Issue:
A Nurse Supervisor found a patient label in the hallway that contained the patient's name and full SSN. The label was dropped outside the Clinic when transferring the patient from one office to the Clinic. It appears at this time that a VA employee was in possession of the label when it was dropped (as opposed to the Veteran dropping the label). Based on the appointment time at the first office and the time the Nurse Supervisor sent her notification of finding the label, the label was in the hallway for less an hour. Update: 07/31/12:The Patient will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and full SSN being exposed.
Outcome:
Supervisor of clinic reviewed practice of printing label and determined that it is no longer needed. Supervisor will also remind staff about the importance of safeguarding sensitive patient information.