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 February 28, 2013. Also cited in 228 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000086267, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 18 Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
On, 02/28/13, the Pharmacy Supervisor reports that Veteran B received a mailed medication for Veteran A in addition to his prescription. Neither prescription was a controlled substance. The package was labeled for Veteran B which contained both Veterans prescriptions. Upon discovery, Veteran Bs wife called the Pharmacy, who is shipping a pre-paid prescription return envelope to recover Veteran As prescription and educational materials. The clinical notification and dispensing of Veteran As medication is in process. Pharmacy initially identified the date of medication mailing. Further notification and investigation to ensue. Update: 03/01/13:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
The root cause of failure to follow Rx bagging and Veteran identity matching protocols in the Pharmacy was identified. A new SOP has been developed for ID matching with employee in-service. Additional one-on-one education in the Pharmacy was conducted. Veteran notification letter signed and mailed 3/20/2013. Case concluded.