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 August 15, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065767, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Columbia, SC
Issue:
On 08/02/11, Veteran A and Veteran B arrived at the Columbia, SC VAMC Outpatient Pharmacy window and picked up medication refills. After Veteran A returned home, he reviewed the contents of the medication package and was surprised to see paperwork that was intended for Veteran B. Veteran A returned Veteran B's paperwork by mail to the Columbia, SC VAMC. The Privacy Officer was notified by the Pharmacy Supervisor on 08/15/11. The information disclosed: Veteran B's full name, address, drug name, strength, quantity, and directions. When: The Columbia, SC VAMC Outpatient Pharmacy received the documents on 08/12/11.Other Offices/Programs Notified:Veteran B will be notified.Incident will be entered into PVTS (Privacy Violation Tracking System).Patient Safety is being notified. Update: 08/15/`11:Veteran B will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
The staff is being re-educated on the need to safeguard patient information.