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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 6, 2012. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072535, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 03/01/12, Veteran A presented to the Outpatient Pharmacy window to pick up his medication. He received all of his medication and instructions, but he was also inadvertently given an antibiotic prescription which was intended for Veteran B. When Veteran A realized the medication did not belong to him, he immediately returned the medication unopened the next day. The Pharmacy Supervisor apologized and thanked Veteran A for returning the medication. The Privacy Officer was notified of the incident on 03/06/12. The information disclosed included Veteran Bs full name, address, name of provider, name of the prescription and instructions. Update: 03/07/12:Veteran B will be sent a notification letter due to his protected health information (PHI) being disclosed.NOTE: There were a total of 21 Mis-Handling incidents this reporting period. Because of repetition, the other 20 are not included in this report, but are included in the "Mis-Handling Incidents" count at the end of this report. In all incidents, Veterans will receive a notification letter and/or credit monitoring will be offered if appropriate.
Outcome:
Staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information and the importance of being vigilant when dispensing medication.