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 Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 25, 2012. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071053, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Pittsburgh, PA
Issue:
A VA employee found a transportation list dated 01/25/12 in the garbage can outside of the VA Administration Building. These documents originated as a VistA email list of 33 Veterans for transportation today. This list includes full names, last 4 digits of the SSN, clinic names, and home addresses with personal telephone numbers. Update: 01/26/12:Thirty-three (33) Veterans will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Facilities Management reports the following corrective actions will be implemented: 1. Redaction of the SSN from transportation lists before distributing assignments to the motor vehicle operators. 2. Each motor vehicle operator will be contacted and reminded to shred the transportation list at the end of their tour of duty. 3. The Privacy Officer will be invited to attend the next Transportation in-service meeting to discuss the importance of protecting patient information during the performance of job duties.