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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 17, 2012. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071937, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Biloxi, MS
Issue:
'A routine post discharge follow-up call by a nurse was made to Veteran A. Veteran A reported that he had received the paperwork of Veteran B at the time of discharge. The Nurse instructed Veteran A to shred the documents belonging to Veteran B. Veteran A stated "No, I am going to mail them to the President of the United States with a letter about the poor service I got while I was in the VA in Biloxi. On 02/15/12 a VA social worker contacted Veteran A to assess his well being due to being a no-show to a group meeting. Veteran A brought up the information that he had been given confidential information regarding Veteran B. Veteran A was cautioned to secure the information and return to the documents to the authorities. He agreed to return the paperwork, however the paperwork remains in his possession. On 02/17/12 the Privacy Officer (PO) became aware of the incident and contacted Veteran A to inquire about the paperwork. Veteran A stated that he had 7 pages of Veteran B's information. Veteran A referenced protected health information belonging to Veteran B and did provide the name of Veteran B. Efforts were made for the return of the documents, but Veteran A refused. An offer was made for a VA staff member to go to Veteran A's home and pick up the documents which he also refused. Update: 02/21/12: Veteran B will receive a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Numerous attempts to retrieve the documents from the Veteran were made including a home visit. Regional Counsel was consulted and indicated the facility and no additional options for document retrieval. Staff reminded to double check documentation released at discharge to ensure the documents belong to that Veteran and not to another individual.