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.
South Texas Veterans Health Care System
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 10, 2015. Also cited in 50 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000115251, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: SOUTH TEXAS VETERANS - 671
Issue:
A portable ultrasound was sold as scrap on 02/05/15. The Vendor contacted Bio Med on 02/06/15 and stated that when he powered on the machine there was a patient's name showing on the screen. The Vendor locked up the machine immediately and Bio Med had him send it back to the facility right away. Bio Med was able to power on the portable ultrasound and only one name appears. Bio Med has called the Manufacturer for instructions on how to remove the SD/SIMs card and to how check for additional names on the machine. Will update if any additional names are found. This device was checked in the scrap yard, but we learned a valuable lesson that some of the equipment has hidden memory. Bio Med/Logistics will actually turn on the device prior to selling/discarding.
Outcome:
02/16/15: The Incident Resolution Service Team has determined that one patient will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full SSN being exposed.