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 Heartland Network (VISN 15)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on June 21, 2012. Also cited in 149 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000076995, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 15 Topeka, KS
Issue:
It was reported by the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) that an unknown VA employee escorted an individual who presented him a subpoena (invalid according to VHA Dir. 1605.1 & Privacy & Procedures Policy) whereby subsequently receiving copies of 10 mental-health progress notes of Veterans. The individual misrepresenting herself (as the Veterans attorney) is in fact the plaintiff in a civil proceeding against the company with which the Veteran is also connected. The subpoena cites Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 (c), (d) & (e). The Privacy Officer has not seen this statute presented via subpoena previously. Regional Council has been notified. Update: 07/02/12:The individual presenting the subpoena is the plaintiff in a civil case and is believed attempting to obtain mental health information to discredit the other party in the case. It is not known yet if the information was actually disclosed. The Privacy Officer is still investigating.07/09/12:One Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services due to full name and SSN being disclosed in addition to treatment information.
Outcome:
Education & Re-education for the department with performed & appropriate action is taken place between the supervisor & HR. We have requested all original documents &, if any, copies be returned with a notarized affidavit certifying the information returned to VA EKHCS.