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 July 27, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065126, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
Following an Emergency Room (ER) visit on 05/13/11, Veteran A presented to the Release of Information (ROI) Department and requested copies of her ER visit. After reviewing the medical records, she was surprised to see that Veteran Bs personal health information was added to her medical records. Veteran A returned the medical records to the Chief of Release of Information on 07/26/11. The ER physician had entered Veteran B's name, age and problem list into Veteran A's ER notes. Both Veterans were treated in the ER on 05/13/11. Veteran A's medical record was immediately corrected. The information disclosed included Veteran B's name, age, race, and problem list. Update: 07/27/11:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.