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 19, 2012. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076896, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Seattle, WA
Issue:
A Veteran, who enrolled for health care services at American Lake hopsital today, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. stated that he was serviced by a clerk (full description given). Veteran stated that this gentleman asked for a copy of his identification and a copy of his DD-214. After his initial interview, which was approximately an hour later, he discovered that he did receive his identification back from the clerk, but the clerk did not return his DD-214. The Veteran informed the clerk that the DD-214 was not returned, and the clerk checked the copier. After checking to see if the DD-214 was still on the copier (an hour after initially registering), the clerk stated that the DD-214 was not on or around the copier, and may have fallen or was misplaced, or someone may have taken it. The copier is not in a secure area and there is a lot of foot traffic on the corridor where the copier is located. Update: 06/20/12:One Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Employee has been counseled and will receive ongoing training and mentoring on safeguarding our Veterans medical and personal information. privacy has recommended that Service Line ensure that employee is aware of SOP for registering new patients, and that safeguarding their information is of the highest priority. The Privacy office will conduct Privacy Rounds in two weeks to observe clinic staff and how they safeguard III and PHI.