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 NY/NJ Veterans Healthcare Network (VISN 3)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 31, 2012. Also cited in 59 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076221, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 03 Montrose, NY
Issue:
Employee A contacted a family member to inform him of Veteran B's current personal and medical condition. Employee A requested that the family member get copies of the local newspapers to read about a news story that was published involving Veteran B. Employee A admitted to calling the family member and disclosing sensitive information about Veteran B. Update: 06/01/12:The employee accessed Veteran B's medical record to disclose protected health information (PHI) to a relative of the employee. The disclosure was not related to treatment, payment, or health care operations. The employee admitted to the inappropriate access. Veteran B will receive a HIPAA notification letter.
Outcome:
Employee was reassigned to another department. Employee was educated on the improper disclosure and penalties /sanctions imposed for direct violation of the Privacy Act.