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 Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 10, 2011. Also cited in 130 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000059439, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 12 Chicago, IL
Issue:
Ambulatory Care Supervisor reported to the Privacy Officer that on two different occasions, a psychiatrist sent lists of patient data to the Travel Office with a patient as verification of the patient's attendance in clinic that day. The verification is used in order for the patients to apply for patient travel funds. Information contained on the lists included date, clinic name, first name, last name, full Social Security Number, cell phone number, home telephone number, diagnosis and handwritten anecdotal notes about some patients as to their current condition that day. Update: 02/10/11:The lists contained information of Veterans other than the Veteran who was carrying it. It was not contained in any sealed envelope, it was carried in the open.
Outcome:
Privacy Officer re-emphasized importance of everyone's role in safeguarding VA sensitive material. Patients are checked out electronically. As of beginning of May 2011, Jesse Brown VAMC instituted new policy where eligible patients are receiving Travel Pay benefits via mail.