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.
Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN 22)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on September 13, 2011. Also cited in 129 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000066693, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 22 Las Vegas, NV
Issue:
Veteran A reported on a Patient Comment/Safety Concern Report Form that while checking in on Sept 7, 2011 @ 2:35pm, a contract janitorial man stopped behind the check-in clerk and stared at the monitor. The clerk turned toward the janitoial man but did not mitigate the possible disclosure of the Veteran's personal information to the contractor. PII on check-in monitor screen is the Veteran's full name, last 4 SSN and appointment location/date/time. Update: 09/13/11:Veteran A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Upon investigation, the contract janitorial employee was near the computer at the time of incident to empty the trashcan located under the desk. The VA employee did not mitigate the situation because he felt there was no disclosure as he had two privacy screens on the computer and information cannot be seen from the side, angle or distance. The only information on the screen at the time of the incident was full name and last 4 SSN. Contractor notified of incident and requested to remind employees to not go around computers while Veterans are at the counter thus giving the impression of disclosure of personal information. No breach found. Notification letter mailed 9/16/11 and uploaded.