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 New England Healthcare System (VISN 1)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on November 9, 2012. Also cited in 204 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000082224, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 01 Providence, RI
Issue:
A nurse picked up the two patient medications but gave them to the wrong Veterans. Veteran A went home with the bag of eye drops and was called later to return them which his wife did later the evening. The mistake was discovered when Veteran Bs wife discovered that the name was incorrect on the bag and medications while still here at the hospital. Those were immediately returned to pharmacy and the correct labeled eye drops and bag was given to the patient. Both patient had the same eye surgery and were prescribed the same medications. Two nurses were involved in giving the wrong medications. Update: 11/13/12:Both Veterans will receive a HIPAA letter of notification.
Outcome:
Employee educated on the importance of double checking for patient safety and privacy.