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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 1, 2013. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000086280, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 2/25/2013, the Dorn VAMC Outpatient Pharmacy inadvertently mailed Veteran A a medication package, which was intended for Veteran B. Veteran A's wife (Dorn VAMC employee), immediately returned the medication to the Outpatient Pharmacy when they realized the medication did not belong to him. The Pharmacy Supervisor reported the incident to the Privacy Officer. The Pharmacy Supervisor apologized and thanked Veteran A's wife for reporting the incident. The medication was counted upon its return, and all pills were accounted for. The Pharmacy Supervisor contacted Veteran B by phone to find out if he received any medication lately. No contact was made. Therefore the Pharmacist mailed Veteran B the correct medication on 2/28/2013. The information disclosed: Veterans full name, address, name of provider, name of the prescription and instructions. Update: 03/01/13:Veteran B will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.05/08/13:This was determined to be non-HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
Pharmacy staff were re-educated on proper handling and mailing of pharmacy packages (3/12/2013)