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 Health Care Upstate New York (VISN 2)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 20, 2011. Also cited in 132 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000063848, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 02 Syracuse, NY
Issue:
Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor reported to Privacy Officer that Patient A's ferrous sulfate order was mailed to a Patient B in error. This was mailed with the patients order in error, bottle only without paperwork, therefore only the Patient A's name and medication were inappropriately disclosed to Patient B, not his home address or SSN. After further review by the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, it was determined that the order was discontinued in 2008. This occurred during the Pharmacy Department's relocation to the ground floor which is now complete. The Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor reported that he thinks it is likely that a label was discovered in the move that was lost in 2008 and filled last week in error, so an isolated occurrence. Patient A contacted the pharmacy to report the error and was provided with a return prepaid envelope to return the medication to the VA. The Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor will alert the staff of this issue and stress the importance of keeping this in order so this type of error doesnt occur again. Update: 06/20/11:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor reminded staff about the requirements of keeping the order slips in order to prevent future errors.