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.
Northwest Network (VISN 20)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 10, 2013. Also cited in 208 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000089145, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 20 Boise, ID
Issue:
On May 1st Veteran A came in to pick up a prescription and also received 2 prescriptions for Veteran B . We were able to contact Veteran A to get the prescription back as well as the information sheet that is dispensed. The Privacy Officer discussed with the outpatient techs how this could have happened and was told both patients were batched to the same box. (Pharmacy Tech) called ScriptPro and discussed how two different patients could be batched to the same box. ScriptPro knew this could happen and had a patch so that if this happens a box will show saying these are two different names, do you want to continue. The VA was told that a patch is available and would be uploaded. Then Pharm Tech called today and they told us the patch will be loaded at the end of the year. Pharmacy Supervisor said "We will continue to watch this". Update: 05/10/13:Veteran B will be sent a HIPAA notification letter due to Protected Health Information (PHI) being disclosed.
Outcome:
We spoke to the company that handles the Script Pro machine and they said they were working on a computer patch to correct the machine's multiple people's medication in one box errors. The Pharmacy Supervisor said until the Patch is installed they will double check all Script Pro Medication fills with multiple medications in one box. HIPAA Notification Letter to Patient from Director has been sent 06-10-2013.