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 Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 3, 2012. Also cited in 369 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000070277, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 08 Orlando, FL
Issue:
Veteran alleges that his provider discussed his medical condition with his employer when the employer called the provider about the doctor's note she had written excusing the veteran from work. Update: 01/31/12: The Provider acknowledged she discussed two facts of information which were not contained in the original provider note. When the employer queried the provider and asked if the employee was wearing a sling, she replied in the negative. When the employer asked if she (the provider) prescribed a sling, she again replied in the negative. These two facts were absent from the letter the provider gave to the employee. A state of "implied consent" existed however, when the employee handed the note to his employer, which contained an offer from the provider to "answer any questions" should the letter reader question anything in the note. When the provider went beyond the bounds of the letter, improper disclosure occurred. Request this complaint be upgraded to a privacy incident. The Veteran will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
Provider was counseled regarding limited disclosure of information.