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 NY/NJ Veterans Healthcare Network (VISN 3)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 19, 2011. Also cited in 59 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000067806, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 03 Bronx, NY
Issue:
A Primary Investigator (PI) submitted a research protocol that was accepted by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). During a review it was discovered that the PI was using an offsite facility for biopsies and inaccurately reporting the location of the procedures for the study. Two patients are Veterans and the PI faxed name, diagnosis and contact information to the other facility and the fax did not state it was for research. The PI did inform the patients that they would have the test done at the Non-Va facility but it was not documented in the chart and it was not included on the HIPAA authorization form. Update: 10/19/11:Two (2) Veterans and one non Veteran will be sent letters offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
PI's protocol is on hold until he receives the proper consents. He was also reminded that he must follow the policies and procedures that are in place to protect PHI.