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.
Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN 22)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on January 10, 2013. Also cited in 129 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000084514, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 22 Las Vegas, NV
Issue:
A Veteran claims a VA nurse left a voice mail on his home answering machine that identified what type of medication he was taking. The Veteran's family and spouse were not aware the Veteran was taking that specific medication and has caused conflict between the Veteran and spouse. Update: 01/11/13:One Veteran will be sent a HIPAA notification letter.
Outcome:
The RN did leave a message on the machine that identified a specific medication the Veteran is taking, she stated she left the message that said his requested medication was not due for refill and therefore it could not be refilled at this time. The RN stated the Veteran called and was insistent upon getting his medication early prior to leaving for a vacation. At the time it did not occur to the RN that the message left was in violation of Veterans privacy. RN acknowledges the violation and is sorry for her actions; she will also use it as a case study to share with other RNs as a learning opportunity to avoid other occurrences. Supervisor and Privacy Officer educated the RN regarding privacy protocols of leaving messages on voice mail. Privacy Officer sent out an All Employees email reminding employees what can and cannot be left on an answering machine. Reply complaint letter mailed on January 14, 2013 and uploaded into FOIAXpress.