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 Southwest Health Care Network (VISN 18)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 15, 2012. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072894, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
A Veteran Privacy complaint was taken by the Patient Advocate Department on 3/14/2012 and received by the Privacy Officer (PO) on the morning of 3/15/2012. The PO called the Rehab Clinic managers and Research liaison to respond to the patient's complaint. During a Recreational Rehab session on 3/14/2012, this patient reported that an unannounced film crew began filming her treatment session with 35 Veterans. The Rehab Coordinator stopped the film crew from taping until consents and permission could be reviewed. After calling a supervisor, this could not be provided. The six-person film crew was on campus as part of a research week promotion. The two-person film crew from VA Central Office was accompanied by two film contractors with two facility staff. The Rehab Coordinator was told that film authorization was for one patient. Upon inquiry, the patients objected to be filmed. The film crew was asked to leave assisted by facility staff. Filming of the patients who gave concent was conducted in the hallway. The Privacy Officer called the patients to apologize for any anxiety and assured them that privacy investigation with remedial actions were in progress. Film staff names, training records and consent/authorization of photography requested and pending. Further notification and investigation pending. Update: 03/28/12: Thirty-four (34) of the Veterans who had not agreed to be filmed will recieve a notification letter. The film crew was not in the area but for a short period of time. There was no filming of the other Veterans in the recreation rehab room., one veteran voiced concern and will be provided a notification letter.
Outcome:
Education provided to Education, Public Affairs and Research regarding the parameters of filming within a therapeutic treatment setting. Excellent facility dialog regarding media coverage issues. HIPAA notification letter sent after initial call to complainant. Central office contracting issues referred to other agency for follow-up of BAA and/or appropriate disciplinary issues.