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 Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 2, 2012. Also cited in 187 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000078704, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 06 Beckley, WV
Issue:
Veteran A had a hearing test in the Audiology Clinic on 08/01/12. He asked for a printed copy of his hearing test. The Audiologist accidentally gave him Veteran B's printed hearing test. This has Veteran B's full name, and full SSN. Veteran A went home. He lives 150 miles away. He called the Audiology Clinic on 08/02/12 and told the clerk that he had been given Veteran's B printed hearing test rather than his own. The clerk told him to shred Veteran B's hearing test. The clerk and the Audiologist did not inform the Privacy Officer. Veteran A then called the Release of Information (ROI) Office and asked for a copy of his own hearing test. The ROI office then learned what had occurred and the Privacy Officer was informed. When Veteran A called the ROI office he would not provide details and would not even say who he was. The Audiology Department has identified who Veteran A and Veteran B are. The facility is contacting Veteran A to get Veteran B's printed audiology test back. Update: 08/02/12:Veteran B will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
PO have discussed this incident with the responsible employees. Privacy education has been provided. The immediate supervisors have been notified. The Nurse Executive and the Chief of Health Administration Services (HAS) have also been notified. Appropriate action by the supervisors has been taken.