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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 25, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077125, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
Upon discharge from the Emergency Department (ED), a physician placed Patient B's label on Patient A's paperwork. Both patients had been treated in the ED. The label contained Patient B's name, SSN, and date of birth. The ED staff attempted to retrieve the paperwork with the label from Patient A at the Pharmacy on the VA Seattle campus, however the patient had already left. Messages have been left at Patient A's home asking him to return the paperwork to the ED. The ED staff will keep the Privacy Officer (PO) apprised of the outcome in the retrieval of the document (label). Update: 06/26/12:Patient B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
All staff will be re-trained on proper procedures for disseminating discharge documentation. Clerks will provide documents to patients upon discharge rather than clinicians, as clinical staff (residents) rotate and varies from day-to-day.