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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 29, 2012. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072301, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Bedford, MA
Issue:
During the transportation of a nursing home patient to an appointment at another facility, the patient's paperwork flew out the open window of the vehicle when the vehicle hit some bumps in the road. The paperwork included the patient's name, address, date of birth, full SSN, and medical information. Update: 02/29/12:The patient will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Privacy Officer followed-up with Nurse Supervisor and employee (Patient Escort) was counseled on the importance of securing patient information using either a HIPAA envelop or locked pouch. Nurse Supervisor e-mailed all CSAs and Nurse Managers regarding using the HIPAA envelopes for all off-station trips. The Patient Escort was provided a locked pouch to transport information. Credit monitoring letter was sent to Veteran.