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.
South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on August 16, 2011. Also cited in 317 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065801, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 16 Oklahoma City, OK
Issue:
Lab specimens from Ada CBOC were thrown away in the trash by an employee. The employee states she mistakenly thought the paper towel contained packing cushioning not lab vials. The specimens were labeled with full name, full SSN and the lab test that was to be done on the specimen. There are 5 Veterans that were impacted by this violation. Update: 08/16/11:Five (5) Veterans will be sent letters offering credit protection services, due to full name and full SSN being disclosed.
Outcome:
An internal root cause analysis was performed. The primary error was in lack of communication. Multiple areas for improvement were noted: Re-write of the procedure is in progress anticipated date of completion 9/1/11. We have a primary 'CBOC' tech with 2 back-up technologists designated. Training is in progress.