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.
Veterans In Partnership (VISN 11)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 9, 2012. Also cited in 213 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000078991, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 11 Detroit, MI
Issue:
A Veteran met a VA employee on an internet-dating website. The Veteran stated that the employee said the Veteran had not received a Mental Exam prior to leaving Active Duty. The Veteran asked the employee, "How do you know that?" The employee stated "I accessed your medical record." The Veteran told the employee that the employee DID NOT have authorization to do that. Per the Veteran, the employee apologized and said, "I was just trying to help you out." The Veteran told the employee, please DO NOT access my medical records again. At no time did the Veteran give the employee the Veteran's Service Number nor the Veteran's Social Security Number. The Privacy Officer (PO) will discuss these events with employee (and union rep if employee wishes) and employee supervisor.Veteran states complaint has also been filed with OIG. Update: 08/09/12:The Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
The Privacy Officer (PO) and Supervisor discussed with the employee the need to keep personal life apart from work. Should another Veteran be encountered employee must have the Veteran go through normal procedures to participate in specific programs and to never access records just because that is the area of expertise to assist all Veterans. The employee expressed understanding and stated advice would be taken. The CM letter was sent on 07/13/12.