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 Heart of Texas Health Care Network (VISN 17)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on February 16, 2012. Also cited in 122 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000071882, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 17 Temple, TX
Issue:
Veteran contacted the Privacy Officer to report that after requesting receiving and reviewing a Sensitive Patient Access Report (SPAR), she is questioning the access of a VA provider on the dates of May 24, 25 and August 11, 2011. The Veteran is requesting justification for the access on those dates. Update: 03/15/12:Patient A will be sent a notification letter.
Outcome:
The PO has determined that the employee printed a progress note from the EMR without authorization, and accessed the medical record of the Veteran not for the purpose of treatment, payment or healthcare operations. The PO provided the employee with education on proper accessing PHI and a copy of Privacy Fact Sheet Volume 09, No. 3 dated January 2009, Use and/or Access of Protected Health and Individually Identifiable Information by VHA Employees. The service chief has been instructed to contact HR to discuss the appropriate sanctions.