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 Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 27, 2012. Also cited in 130 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077262, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 12 Iron Mountain, MI
Issue:
On 06/27/12, the Pharmacy Service at the Oscar G. Johnson VAMC, Iron Mountain, MI received a UPS package containing the Controlled substance II prescriptions from the SS Marie community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). This package was torn into and there were a total of 20 prescriptions inside the envelope (15 patients). The Chief, Pharmacy Service checked with SS Marie CBOC to see if they had a log of the prescriptions they mailed to us. They did and all prescriptions were accounted for. There is a breach of patient information as each prescription contained the patient full name, full social security number, address, and the providers name and DEA number.The Chief, Pharmacy Service contacted the Pharmacy Executive for guidance who stated that one Issue Brief should be completed. She also requested that the Chief, Pharmacy Service contact the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) for further guidance on how to proceed. The Chief, Pharmacy Service notified the Privacy Officer (PO) . The Issue Brief is forthcoming Update: 06/28/12:Even though not the fault of the VA Fifteen Veterans will be sent letters offering credit protection services due to full SSN being at risk of exposure.
Outcome:
Staff educated on accuracy when sending packages. Police and OIG are aware of situation as there are ongoing issues with medications being handled by UPS. Iron Mountain is looking at changing how we send prescriptions due to continued issues with UPS.