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 June 5, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076362, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
A Veteran had an appointment at the North Seattle VA Clinic on 6/4/12 at 3:15 pm. While sitting in the exam room with the Physician Assistant (PA) prior to her exam, the Veteran was able to write down the name, SSN, and date of birth of the previous patient that was seen by the Physician Assistant, as the computer screen was open and visible to the Veteran prior to her exam by this PA. The Physician Assistant also discussed the prior patients' medication schedule to another clinic employee while this Veteran was waiting to be seen by the PA. The Veteran stated that they were shocked and disappointed in the way that the PA had total disregard for the prior patient's privacy. The PA also discussed another patient's condition with this Veteran. The Veteran called the VA Privacy Service who referred the call to the VAPSHCS Privacy Office. Update: 06/05/12:One Veteran will be sent letters offering credit protection services due to full name and full SSN being exposed.
Outcome:
Provider will be mentored and advised regarding privacy and information security awareness. Compliance Officer for Valor Clinic has been notified of the breach and will counsel provider regarding the seriousness of the breach and corrective actions to prevent such an action from reoccurring.