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 Healthcare - VISN 4 (VISN 4)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 20, 2012. Also cited in 239 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000073149, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 04 Philadelphia, PA
Issue:
When preparing paper records for transfer to National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) they were placed in sealed boxes in the corridor adjacent to the Health Information Management Service (HIMS) office. During regular tour after hours VA Police discovered files and moved them back into HIMS office behind locked door. Upon inspection of the inventory, it was discovered that as many as four charts could not be accounted for. Investigation disclosed that some clinical staff may have retrieved some charts, but that remains unanswered. Interviews and investigation continue. Since all boxes were sealed when discovered by Police, the probability of a loss is remote. However, since inventory cannot be reconciled, the facility will continue to investigate. Update: 03/26/12:Two (2) Veterans' charts are unaccounted for, therefore they will be sent letters offering credit protection services due to full name and full SSN being exposed.
Outcome:
4/2/2012 - Referred to Human Resources/Employee Resources via supervisory chain for appropriate action on 3/21/2012.