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.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on May 23, 2013. Also cited in 26 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000089743, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: BIRMINGHAM AL - 521
Issue:
A social worker for the Birmingham VA Medical Center (BVAMC) inadvertently faxed a BVAMC patient's medical information including discharge orders, medical history and physical, and physician completed plan of care to the wrong fax number. The BVAMC social worker spoke with an employee who received the patient's information and she confirmed that the documents with the patient's personal information they mistakenly received has been shredded. The information has been faxed to the correct number and confirmation received.
Outcome:
05/24/13: The Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services, as his medical information and full SSN were disclosed outside VA. 06/10/13: This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.