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 Health Care Upstate New York (VISN 2)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 27, 2012. Also cited in 132 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000077256, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 02 Syracuse, NY
Issue:
The Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor reported to the Privacy Officer (PO) that two patients' medications were switched at delivery by the Pharmacy technician. Patient A received Patient Bs medications but Patient As medications was never opened by Patient B because the Pharmacy contacted him of the error beforehand. This resulted in Patient B's name and medication information being disclosed in error to Patient A. No address information or SSN was inappropriately disclosed. All orders were replaced and the packages returned to the Pharmacy. After further review by the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, it was determined that the error occurred while the technician was placing an ice pack into the shipping bag and switched them by mistake. The technician was counseled and is aware of this error. He was told to be sure to only work on wrapping these orders one at a time. Update: 06/28/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
Patient A and Patient B's medications returned to the hospital and resent correctly. The technician was counseled by the supervisor and is aware of his error. He was told to be sure to only work on wrapping these orders one at a time.