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.
Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 24, 2012. Also cited in 141 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000079573, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 21 Fresno, CA
Issue:
The Chief Librarian contacted the Central California Health Care System (CCHCS) Information Security Officer (ISO) to notify of documents found in a desk drawer in the library at a MyHealtheVet workstation by library staff. ISO went to library and confiscated documents that included account access codes and patient information. The account codes were for an intern that was assisting VA staff. A review of the user's access request revealed that the accounts had been disabled on 08/07/2012. The PHI that was in the drawer was printed the morning of 07/13/2012. The ISO entered a ticket since the Privacy Officer was out. Update: 08/27/12: Papers found in desk in library included a complete printout of 1 patient's progress notes from their medical record. this print out listed the Patient's name, full SSN, DoB and Medical History. Another document contained the full name, last four of SSN and DoB of 7 patients as well as listed allergies, code status and Meds if applicable. Therefore eight Patients will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Employee in service VA guideline about securing VA documents.