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 July 7, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000064506, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Montgomery, AL
Issue:
While on Environment of Care (EOC) rounds the Information Security Officer (ISO) discovered paper in a trash can that listed full name, SSN, and medications for 14 patients. Update: 07/07/11:The paper was found in a day room where patients watch TV and play games. It was there for less than 24 hours as the trash is emptied each day. Letters offering credit protection services will be sent to all 14 Veterans.08/12/11:The Privacy Officer miscounted when initially reviewing the paper. This is a printout from a Pyxis machine and contained name, full SSN and medication type for 16 Veterans.
Outcome:
All the paper was shredded. The supervisor of that ward provided training to all personnel on disposal of PII. The Privacy Officer has prepare credit monitoring letters which will be mailed after the Director signs. PII print capability has been disabled to prevent future occurrences.