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 Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on July 29, 2011. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000065249, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Tuscaloosa, AL
Issue:
A Veteran presented to an appointment and brought back six (6) bags of medication that he had received via USPS (United States Postal Service) belonging to other veterans. All six bags were batched incorrectly and mailed to the veteran on 7-25-11 directly from TVAMC Outpatient Pharmacy Service. Upon receipt of the medications to Outpatient Pharmacy, all of the bags containing the medication were not opened and still intact. All of the medication labels on the bags contained the other veterans names and mailing addresses. Update: 08/01/11:Six Veterans will be sent a letter of notification.
Outcome:
HIPAA Notification Letters have been mailed on August 24, 2011. Re-education has been provided to staff by their supervisor pertaining to the handling and safeguarding of patients sensitive information.